On March 16, 2010, Howard underwent surgery after tearing his ACL against the Chicago Bulls on February 22. Howard was expected to miss 6 to 8 months. Utah Jazz (2011–2012) On December 15, 2011, Howard agreed to a one-year contract worth around $3 million with the Utah Jazz. Minnesota Timberwolves (2012) On November 15, 2012, Howard signed a one-year contract for the veteran's minimum with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was waived on December 20, 2012, after suffering a torn ACL on December 14, 2012. That game where Howard suffered the ACL tear ended up being the final game of his NBA career. Howard recorded 3 points and 2 rebounds in the Timberwolves' 113 – 102 victory over the New Orleans Hornets. Austin Toros (2013–2014) On October 25, 2013, Howard signed with the San Antonio Spurs. However, he was waived just a day later. On October 31, Howard was acquired by the Austin Toros of the NBA Development League, the Spurs' D-League affiliate. On February 27, 2014, he was waived by the Toros due to a season-ending injury. In July 2014, Howard joined the New Orleans Pelicans for the 2014 NBA Summer League. Coaching career In July 2016, Howard was hired by Piedmont International University to be their new head coach. He led the team to a 49–49 record in four seasons. In April 2020, he was hired as the head coach of the University of North Texas at Dallas, which will begin play as an NAIA member in the 2020–21 season. NBA career statistics Regular season |- | align="left" | | align="left" | Dallas | 67 || 29 || 23.7 || .430 || .303 || .703 || 5.5 || 1.4 || 1.0 || .8 || 8.6 |- | align="left" | | align="left" | Dallas | 76 || 76 || 32.2 || .475 || .296 || .733 || 6.4 || 1.4 || 1.5 || .6 || 12.6 |- | align="left" | | align="left" | Dallas | 59 || 58 || 32.5 || .471 || .429 || .734 || 6.3 || 1.9 || 1.2 || .4 || 15.6 |- | align="left" | | align="left" | Dallas | 70 || 69 || 35.1 || .459 || .385 || .827 || 6.8 || 1.8 || 1.2 || .8 || 18.9 |- | align="left" | | align="left" | Dallas | 76 || 76 || 36.3 || .455 || .319 || .813 || 7.0 || 2.2