Reports: Nets Not Pursuing Trade For Lakers' Dwight Howard
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Nets fans, snap out of that recurring Dwightmare.
Brooklyn has "not engaged in trade talks" for Dwight Howard despite a report saying general manager Billy King was on the lookout for a third team to help facilitate a deal that would land the Los Angeles Lakers center, according to the New York Daily News.
According to Jarrod Rudolph of RealGM.com, King thought up a proposal that would have involved Howard, the Timberwolves' Kevin Love and the Nets' Brook Lopez. An injury to Love reportedly derailed that idea.
A Nets source "shot down" the report to the Daily News. Lopez was told "that he's not involved in any trade proposals" while the brass in Brooklyn doubt Howard will become available, the paper reported.
According to the New York Post, the Nets "won't be pursuing" a trade for Howard.
Howard is set to become a free agent after the season. Rumors have swirled about a possible rift between Howard and Kobe Bryant, and the Lakers have been arguably the most disappointing team in the NBA.
The Nets gunned for Howard not once, but twice during his prolonged breakup with the Orlando Magic. Howard even said he preferred to play in Brooklyn with point guard Deron Williams.
Lopez was the centerpiece in the Nets' offseason talks with Orlando. The 24-year-old big man, averaging 18.5 points and 7.4 rebounds in 2012-13, signed a max contract with Brooklyn and became trade-eligible on Jan. 15.
Howard is averaging 17.1 points, 12.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks this season.
Should the Nets make a run for D12 if he becomes available? Be heard in the comments...
