Dwight Howard Big 3 Contract Overview
Dwight Howard signed a Big 3 contract with the Philadelphia 76ers as part of a three-team trade in February 2023. The deal sent James Harden and P.J. Tucker to the 76ers, while Andre Embiid and the 76ers' 2023 first-round pick went to the Houston Rockets. Howard's role was defined as a veteran presence and backup center, with a salary of 2.6 million dollars for the 2022-23 season and a player option for the following year. The contract was structured as a one-year deal with the Big 3 designation allowing Howard to be a key trade asset without long-term financial commitment. Howard's contract details are available on the NBA's official transactions page.
The Big 3 trade was a salary-matching maneuver that allowed the 76ers to acquire Harden without exceeding the luxury tax apron. Houston received a package centered on Embiid, a franchise cornerstone, while the Brooklyn Nets received Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and a 2022 first-round pick. Howard's inclusion in the trade was primarily to balance salary and provide Houston with a veteran center. The 76ers' front office, led by Daryl Morey, structured the deal to maximize cap flexibility while pursuing a championship window with Harden and Embiid. Howard's contract was not a long-term commitment but a short-term veteran minimum arrangement.
Dwight Howard Big 3 Contract Salary and Terms
Howard's salary for the 2022-23 season was set at the veteran minimum of 2.6 million dollars. His contract included a player option for the 2023-24 season, which he exercised before being bought out by the 76ers in February 2024. The buyout allowed Howard to become a free agent and sign with the San Antonio Spurs for the remainder of the season. The total financial commitment from the 76ers for Howard was approximately 3.3 million dollars across the two seasons. Howard's contract terms were standard for a veteran minimum player with no guaranteed years beyond the initial deal.
The salary cap implications of Howard's contract were minimal due to the veteran minimum status. The 76ers used the taxpayer mid-level exception and traded for Howard's rights as part of the Harden package. Houston's payroll benefited from the trade by shedding Harden's massive contract while receiving a young franchise player in Embiid. The salary matching required Houston to include Tucker and draft picks to balance the trade. Howard's short-term deal allowed the 76ers to maintain flexibility for future moves without long-term cap constraints.
Dwight Howard Big 3 Contract Impact and Current Status
Howard's tenure with the 76ers lasted one full season and part of a second before his buyout. He played 69 games during the 2022-23 regular season, averaging 5.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. His role was primarily as a backup center behind Joel Embiid, providing rebounding and defensive presence. Howard's contract did not include any performance incentives or additional bonuses beyond the base salary. The buyout in February 2024 freed up a roster spot and approximately 1.5 million dollars in remaining salary for the 76ers.
After the buyout, Howard signed with the San Antonio Spurs to finish the 2023-24 season. He later joined the NBA G League Ignite and continued to pursue playing opportunities. The Big 3 contract structure allowed Howard to remain competitive without committing to a long-term deal. His career trajectory post-76ers reflects the modern NBA trend of veteran players accepting short-term contracts for championship opportunities. Howard's contract details and subsequent moves are tracked by