Dwight Howard declines player option to become free agent

Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard is opting out of his contract and will become a free agent on July 1.

Howard informed the team he will decline the $23.2 million player option.

The move isn't a big surprise because the Rockets recently hired Mike D'Antoni as coach. Howard wasn't all that fond of D'Antoni's system when the two spent one season together with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Rockets emphasized they will continue to be primarily a 3-point shooting offensive squad after D'Antoni's hiring.

Howard, 30, averaged 13.7 points last season -- his lowest output since his rookie season with the Orlando Magic in 2004-05. He also averaged 11.8 rebounds per game.

Howard, an eight-time All-Star, has dealt with back woes in recent seasons.

Howard has career averages of 17.8 points and 12.7 rebounds in 12 seasons with Orlando, Los Angeles and Houston.