Houston Rockets centre Dwight Howard could be on the move before the trade deadline as “Superman” is reportedly unhappy with his role in the team, according to a report.

Chris Sheridan of Sheridan Hoops cited league sources that Howard is “extremely unhappy” playing behind James Harden, sparking speculations that the Rockets big man could exit Houston before this season’s trade deadline.

“Dwight Howard is extremely unhappy in Houston playing second fiddle to alpha dog James Harden, multiple league sources tell SheridanHoops.com,” Sheridan disclosed. “And with the Rockets underachieving more than any NBA team, look for them to try to move Howard later this season.”

Howard is averaging just 13.0 points per game, his lowest since his rookie year with the Orlando Magic. Part of it is because the three-time Defensive Player of the Year is getting less touches in an offense centred on Harden.

Howard averages only 8.3 field goal attempts per game for the Rockets this season, which is far from his career average of 11.1 attempts. He is only fifth in FGA in Houston, behind Harden, Trevor Ariza, Marcus Thornton, and Terrence Jones.

Moreover, Howard’s unhappiness could also be part of the Rocket’s struggles in the 2015-2016 NBA regular season. Currently, the Rockets have managed to sneak into the seventh place in the Western Conference rankings with a record of 12-14. However, Houston cannot manage to remain complacent in their position, especially with other teams like the Utah Jazz and Denver Nuggets lurking behind and targetting a playoff spot.

Sheridan disclosed that his predictions were based around the Heat possibly trading Hassan Whiteside to the Sacramento Kings for DeMarcus Cousins. But with the Kings expected to hold on to Cousins for some reason, Sheridan suggested that trading Howard to the Heat “makes so much sense.”

Whiteside has drastically improved his value and is poised to get a huge payday in free agency next year, when teams have plenty of cash to spend on.

Sheridan noted that Howard to the Heat would make D12 an alpha dog for the first time since leaving the Magic after the 2011-2012 season. Howard could play alongside Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade and still become the Heat’s top star.

Meanwhile, Whiteside would bring youth and athleticism in the Rockets frontcourt. His rim protecting skills would also come very handily for the Rockets, who have been lacking interior defense. Whiteside’s expiring contract would also be enticing for the Rockets.

While this trade talks would certainly excite basketball fans, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported that there is “absolutely nothing” to the report linking Howard to Miami. However, with the trade deadline nearing, it is still possible for fans to see these teams shop their tradable assets anytime soon.

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