Howard Trade Talks End, Lopez to Sign with Nets

Added by Deshawn Jelani on July 12, 2012.

The Brooklyn Nets have signed Brook Lopez to a max contract.

The Brooklyn Nets and the Orlando Magic put an end to a deal that would have sent all-star center Dwight Howard to the Nets.  The two teams attempted to execute a last-minute deal on Wednesday, but failed to reach an agreement, sources say.

The Nets, after ending their pursuit of Howard, agreed to terms with center Brook Lopez on a max contract for four-years worth $60 million, according to sources close to the process.

Howard trade talks were thought to redevelop late yesterday evening after the Nets offered the Magic four future first-round picks, center Brook Lopez, power forward Kris Humphries, and $3 million to acquire Howard, Jason Richardson, Earl Clark and Chris Duhon, sources said. 

However, the Magic rejected the trade offer because they did not want to receive Humphries due to his heavily proposed front-loaded multiyear sign-and-trade agreement, which had the first years salary fully guaranteed.  The proposed trade would have required a third team to participate, and one could not be solidified.

In addition, sources report that the Charlotte Bobcats and the Portland Trailblazers were prepared to sign Lopez to offer sheets.  In order to retain Lopez, the team had to act immediately, causing the Howard trade deal to collapse.

It is still possible that the Nets acquire Howard, but it would have to be after January 15 because Lopez, an important cog in this trade deal, cannot be traded until after this date due to the new collective bargaining agreement rules.  If he is still not traded, Howard could sign a deal with the team during the 2013 summer signing period.

The Nets are however still in good shape.  With Lopez signed, the Nets will have a decent front court going into next season.  With all-stars Derron Williams and Joe Johnson, the Nets will have a team that will compete with the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks to win the division.