Reports: Decision time today on Howard trade
Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard speaks with reporters at training camp. (Dec. 10, 2011) Credit: AP
The Nets apparently want a resolution to this whole Dwightmare today.
Growing weary of chasing a possible deal for Dwight Howard, the Nets are preparing to move on if they can't something done with Orlando, according to reports.
GM Billy King is set to meet with Brook Lopez's agent in Los Angeles to begin finalizing the framework on a new long-term pact for the restricted free agent center. Lopez is the centerpiece of any deal the Nets would make with the Magic, but the Nets are set to give him a max contract extension and that's where things become a bit tricky.
Under the rules of the collective bargaining agreement, Lopez can only sign a five-year deal if he stays with the Nets. If he's a part of a sign-and-trade with Orlando, he'd only be allowed to receive a four-year deal.
ESPN reported either the Blazers or Rockets could be poised to sign Lopez to an offer sheet, which would put a major bump in any potential deal the Nets would be looking to strike up with the Magic.
Also, with the league's moratorium lifted at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, there's going to be a flurry of transactions and the Nets want to start sorting the market out just like everyone else so they can get their roster set for their inaugural season in Brooklyn.
