While the Lakers are the favorites to land center Dwight Howard in a three-way trade also including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic, it is important to L.A. that Howard be willing to sign with the team long-term if they acquire him.
Reports surfaced that Howard was willing to sign with the Lakers long-term; however, his agent, Don Fegan, spoke to Ric Bucher of ESPN and sang a different tune:
"Dwight's position has remained unchanged since the end of this past season," said Dan Fegan of LaGardere Unlimited. "He fully intends to explore free agency at the end of next season, regardless of what team trades for him, including Brooklyn."
If true, the stipulation could scare the Lakers away from the possibility of sending away Andrew Bynum to Cleveland for the three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. But Kurt Helin says this particular update changes nothing and "makes [him] yawn"
Under the terms of the new CBA if Howard signed an extension tomorrow or any time this season it can only be for three more years after this one. If he plays out this season and becomes a free agent then re-signs with the team he is on he can get five years with larger raises.
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