The Houston Rockets have received "hopeful signals" that Dwight Howard is genuinely considering signing with the team in free agency, according to sources.

Howard has conveyed interest in joining James Harden with the Rockets.

Sources say Howard will make in-person recruiting visits to the Rockets and Dallas Mavericks once free agency begins.

Howard may add other teams to the list.

The Los Angeles Lakers can offer a five-year deal worth $120 million to Howard, though their financial advantage isn't as significant as it seems due to the absence of state taxes in Texas.