Dwight Howard’s agent denied the reports that the superstar has decided to sign a long-term contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Howard, whose contract will expire next summer, wants to explore the free agency, according to Dan Fegan of LaGardere Unlimited.
“Dwight’s position has remained unchanged since the end of this past season,” said Fegan. “He fully intends to explore free agency at the end of next season, regardless of what team trades for him, including Brooklyn.”
Howard’s longtime crush, Brooklyn Nets, had made concerted efforts to make a deal for him a couple of weeks ago, but the Magic didn’t like the scenario. After agreeing Brook Lopez on a contract extension, which makes him ineligible to be moved until January 15 under the new CBA, Nets have ended their Howard chase for a while.
Even if Howard really doesn’t sign an extension and explores free agency, Nets will not be able to offer Howard a contract, because they will be well above the salary cap.
The Lakers have emerged as the favorite to pull off a trade for Howard, but the reports claim that they have no intention to stop the negotiations with the Magic despite the reports that Howard won’t ink an extension with them.
Their priority is to convince Bynum to extend his contract with the team that he will be sent to in a potential Dwight Howard trade.
