Dwight Howard criticizes his Taiwan team for disrespectful salary cut / News - Basketnews.com

Dwight Howard feels disrespected and disappointed after knowing his salary would be reduced by 65% if he stayed in Taiwan with the Taoyuan Leopards.

Credit: AP - Scanpix Credit AP - Scanpix

Former NBA star Dwight Howard didn't hold back his dissatisfaction with the Taoyuan Leopards' contractual proposal in Taiwan's T1 League to slash his pay by a staggering 65% for the upcoming season.

Dwight Howard

Position:CAge:37Height:211 cmWeight:120 kgBirth place:Atlanta, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

"I was offered a contract which was 65% less than what they gave me the first time I came to Taiwan," Howard told TVBS News. "And I felt that was very disrespectful. I felt like I brought value to the team.

"I was very disappointed. I felt like I deserved more. Everything that I did was to represent the Leopards at their best."

Meanwhile, the team's CEO, Chang Chien-Wei, stated that Howard's salary for the next season would be determined using a new calculation method, which takes into account winning and losing bonuses, non-bonuses for not playing, and a fixed base salary.

Chang assured that as long as Howard actively participates in games and contributes to victories, the combination of bonuses and the base salary will ensure that his earnings do not fall below his previous salary.

According to cna.com.tw, Howard had to earn over $1.0 million this past season.

During his tenure with the Leopards, Howard averaged 23.2 points, 16.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 33.5 minutes. Although he missed 10 games, he played a total of 20. Despite that, Howard's Leopards finished dead last in the regular season, in a competition of six teams.

The player's choice to play in Taiwan caused a beef with Shaquille O'Neal to resurface, with the Hall of Famer criticizing both Howard's decision and his performance on the court.

Recently, the eight-time NBA All-Star expressed his desire to have another opportunity in the NBA, specifically mentioning his interest in joining the Sacramento Kings as his preferred team.

"I'm not retired from the NBA just yet," the 37-year-old told Mark Haynes from The Sacramento Observer. "I'd love to help the Sacramento Kings contend for a title. Even though I believe their team is pretty much set."

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