Howard explains why he chose Wizards over Warriors

All-star center Dwight Howard said signing with the Washington Wizards rather than pursuing an opportunity with the world champion Warriors was a no-brainer for him.

Howard’s mind was pretty much made up after he received a message from Wizards star point guard John Wall.

“Golden State called and I thought about them,” said Howard, according to NBC Sports Washington. “But once John sent me that message, I was like, man. I couldn’t tell him at first, but I was like ‘man, I’m going to be a Wizard.’ That was my mindset.”

While Howard said he chose the Wizards over the Warriors, there are no indications the Warriors even made the 32-yearold an offer. More likely, Golden State was doing its due diligence while trying to decide which free agent it would target with its taxpayer’s mid-level exception of $5.3 million.

The Howard matter became moot for the Warriors once Demarcus Cousins, a younger and much more talented big man, reached out to them. Besides, helping Cousins rehab his Achilles tendon was more appealing than trying to help repair Howard’s reputation. Cousins wound up signing with the Warriors on July 2.

The perception of Howard as a divisive force in the locker room has followed him through many of his NBA stops, including last season with Charlotte. He had a solid season on the court, averaging 16.6 points and 12.5 rebounds, but was dealt to Brooklyn on July 6 in a salary dump. The Nets then quickly waived him, giving Howard the chance to choose which team would be his seventh NBA home in 15 seasons.

Wall’s message made Howard realize quickly he’d found his new home.

“I just thought about all the possibilities,” Howard said. “I was like ‘man, this could be the best spot for me.’ ”