Now that Mike D'Antoni is finalizing a deal to become the new head coach of the Houston Rockets, reports indicate that Dwight Howard will definitely be looking for a new home in free agency.

One rumored suitor is the team who drafted him, the Orlando Magic. The franchise has plenty of cap room to work with, and with the addition of new head coach Frank Vogel, there's a certain level of optimism for next season.

It's assumed that Howard will demand a maximum contract, but if he wants to go back to Orlando, that apparently won't be an option.

From the Orlando Sentinel's Josh Robbins:

Most league observers expect former Magic center Dwight Howard to opt out of his Houston Rockets contract and become a free agent this summer. But it's highly unlikely that the Magic would pursue Howard unless he seeks a one-year deal for reasonable money.

Dwight Howard
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

This doesn't seem like a likely scenario. With all of the money entering the league's cap thanks to the NBA's new TV deal, Howard's going to demand top dollar (or at least close to it) over the course of a few years. A one-year contract just isn't happening, especially for a “reasonable” price.

Matt Moore of CBS Sports makes an interesting point about the Magic possibly softening their stance over the course of free agency. If they're unable to attract, say, the likes of Al Horford or even Hassan Whiteside, Howard might become more enticing.

Still, in all likelihood, the story of Howard going home to make amends in Orlando won't end up coming to fruition.

[button width=”full” button size=”bigger” color=”custom” align=”center” textcolor=”#ffffff” texthcolor=”#ffffff” bgcolor=”#8b0000″ link=”https://clutchpoints.com/dwight-howard-talks-about-his-lowest-moment-with-the-lakers/”]NEXT: Dwight Howard discusses his lowest moment with the Lakers[/button]