Suns Rivals Not Expected to Sign NBA Champion Center

The Phoenix Suns won't have to worry about the Golden State Warriors signing Dwight Howard, according to Shams Charania.

While the Phoenix Suns find themselves speculated in trade rumors with Deandre Ayton, news of another Pacific division team was made on Friday when it was reported the Golden State Warriors would not be signing free agent center Dwight Howard.

From Shams Charania:

"The Warriors are not expected to sign Dwight Howard or another veteran center ahead of training camp, sources tell me. Howard had a two-day visit with the Warriors this week that included meetings and workouts. But the Warriors are expected now to maintain flexibility to sign a potential big man later in camp or into the regular season. Expect Howard to discuss a potential return to the league with any other interested team in the coming week or so."

Golden State Warriors' decision on signing a vet center such as Dwight Howard: pic.twitter.com/a04oOXdhfF

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 22, 2023

Howard spent this past season in Taiwan but has 18 years of experience in the NBA. 

KRON4's Jason Dumas reported Howard had a workout with Draymond Green and Chris Paul yesterday. Golden State's veterans reportedly "signed off" on the move for Howard, though a deal wasn't able to get done.

Source: Dwight Howard has wrapped up his two-day interview process with the Warriors. A decision could come as soon as today. The vets have signed off on the idea of bringing Dwight into the fold. He will now head to LA to workout with Draymond & CP3 on Thursday.

— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) September 21, 2023

The Warriors might still be looking to add potential size down low, and Howard's presence certainly fit that capability as a role player behind their stars.

Howard, an NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, played under now Suns head coach Frank Vogel when the Lakers won their championship in the bubble. Howard is set to turn 38-years-old in December and is an eight-time NBA All-Star. 

The Suns themselves will start preseason activity on the Oct. 8 against the Detroit Pistons before beginning the regular season in Golden State on Tuesday, Oct. 24.