Yesterday's round of Dwight Howard rumors was fairly eventful, featuring reports that the Magic are discussing deals with a number of teams, including the Lakers and Nets. The Nets still appear determined to put together a complicated package for Howard, though their increasing cap figure will make it difficult. The Lakers, meanwhile, seem willing to offer Andrew Bynum, but only with Metta World Peace in the deal as well, and only if D12 agrees to sign a long-term deal. I don't think that package gets it done for a Magic team looking for cap relief.
We'll round up today's Howard updates right here, so check back throughout the day for the latest:
- The Lakers have growing concerns about dealing for Howard, from the health of his back to his willingness to sign a long-term deal, says Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times. According to Bresnahan, the Lakers also don't want to take back any additional salary in any Howard trade. It's hard for me to imagine two teams looking to ditch salary agreeing to a deal, even if Bynum is likely the best single player the Magic could get for Howard. Perhaps a third team could facilitate a trade and take on some salary in exchange for draft picks.
- Brook Lopez, who would have to agree to be a part of any Nets sign-and-trade for Howard, may not want to play in Orlando, as his brother tells Fred Kerber of the New York Post. "He really wants to see it through with the Nets and go to Brooklyn," said Chris Lopez, who is also Brook's advisor. "He understands the situation, but he wants to remain consistent: He wants to be a Brooklyn Net. He hasn’t played anywhere else and he likes the organization. He wants to be a part of it now that they’re going to be good."
- Sources tell Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld that the Rockets, Clippers, and Mavericks are still in the mix for Howard, but would need some sort of assurance that it's "at least possible" the star center would re-sign with them.
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