Josh Howard is glad to have signed a one-year deal with the Wizards after suffering an inopportune injury.

Coming off a knee injury, Howard wasn't offered a lot of money as a free agent. He received calls from Heat, Celtics, Bulls, Spurs, Cavaliers, Kings and Clippers.

"We expected that," Howard said. "It's what you expect. It's a business.

"I kept my options open, but I always stayed loyal to Washington. They gave me the opportunity to get out of Dallas and actually play free, which I took and I appreciate them for that. I had to stay loyal to them. They wanted me to play ball for them and I feel that's probably the best place for me to be at."

Heading into free agency with health concerns was tough enough. It didn't help that Howard's reputation had also taken several hits during his last few years in Dallas.

"My injury came at an unfortunate time, but I did enough to let people know that I still have game," he said. "I'm still going to be out there working hard and playing hard to get back out there for Washington."