“I Deserve More”: Having Left USA for $1,000,000 Lure, Former Lakers Star Hit With Massive ‘Disrespect’

Dwight Howard’s decision to leave the United States and join the Taiwanese League brought him both excitement and disappointment. Despite his impactful performances and contributions to the Taoyuan Leopards, Howard has now found himself at odds with team management over a disrespectful incident. The former Los Angeles Lakers star believes he deserves better treatment and recognition for his abilities.

Howard, known for his dominant presence on the court, finds himself embroiled in a heated contract negotiation battle overseas. His excitement about making a mark in a new territory turned into frustration when the Leopards seemingly disrespected 8x NBA All-Star.

The disappointed former NBA star lashes out

The contract negotiations and pay cuts are a tricky part of the NBA. However, if someone leaves the league and the country for a better opportunity and comes empty-handed, now that will sting. Dwight Howard chose to leave the NBA and join the T1 League in Taiwan. The Taoyuan Leopards offered him a whooping $1 Million contract and the big man took it.

Howard’s disappointment stems from the significant pay cut offered by the Taoyuan Leopards for his next contract. According to the tweet from Daily Loud, the proposed deal was valued at 65% less than his previous agreement.

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Feeling disrespected, Howard voiced his frustrations. He said, “I felt like that was very disrespectful. I brought value to the team“. It was clear that Dwight didn’t take the cut nicely. He added, “I was very disappointed. I felt like I deserved more.”

The Leopards’ CEO explained that the team adopted a new salary calculation method, considering games played and incorporating incentives based on team performance. While the team management believes this approach would be mutually beneficial, Howard perceives it as undervaluing his contributions.

Dwight Howard’s performance and his future in the game

During his first season with the Leopards, Howard was bang on. He averaged an impressive 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. However, despite his outstanding efforts, the team struggled. Howard also missed playing time due to injury.

Before venturing into the Taiwanese league, Howard enjoyed a successful career in the NBA. He won an NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, teaming up with the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Even now, Howard doesn’t rule out the possibility of an NBA return in the future.

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While the contract negotiation battle unfolds, Howard remains focused on his basketball journey, determined to prove his worth. Who knows, he might make a potential return to the NBA.