Josh Howard signs with Washington

SF Josh Howard has signed a 1 year, $4 mil deal with the Washington Wizards. Howard played 7 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks before being traded to Washington at the February trade deadline in exchange for Caron Butler. With the Wizards, he was only able to play 4 games before tearing up his knee.

This definitely is not the contract Howard was hoping to get coming into free agency. In 2007, Howard had his best season, averaging 19 points and 7 rebounds and making the All Star Team. The following season he put up good numbers, but "character issues" were manifest. During the playoffs, Howard was extremely honest about his past and current marijuana use to the media, saying that most players in the NBA smoke it and that he does too. In September of 2008 he was the subject of negative news yet again when a video was released of him being disrespectful to the national anthem. He said in the video, "The Star-Spangled Banner is going on, I don't celebrate that shit, I'm Black." Two months later Obama was in office.

These incidents, along with an ankle that's always sprained, unproductive play, and a serious knee injury have left Howard with no choice but to take a one year deal. Seeing as there is a glaring hole at the SF position in Washington, he should have a chance to redeem himself and secure a long-term contract next year.

In terms of Washington, this is a very low-risk signing. Howard will be motivated, and with Mike Miller signing with the Heat, the Wizards needed a scoring option on the wing to help out rookie of the year candidate John Wall.