Report: Brooklyn Nets Pull Out of the Dwight Howard Trade Sweepstakes

There is one less team that will be involved in the hunt for Orlando Magic Center, Dwight Howard, as the Nets have pulled their name out of the running for the All-Star center, according to Chris Sheridan.

Sheridan tweeted:

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Breaking news: #Nets are out of Dwight Howard sweepstakes. They will keep Brook Lopez, and probably Kris Humphries, too.

— Chris Sheridan (@sheridanhoops) July 11, 2012"

 

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The Nets have been the on-again-off-again favorite to land Howard, but with how long the whole trade episode has taken, they have made the choice to move on and focus on re-signing their own free-agent big men, Brook Lopez and Kris Humphries.

This is breaking news, as the Magic have reportedly put a hold on Howard trade talks to focus on their coaching search, according to Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld.

Kennedy tweeted:

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The Magic informed Dwight Howard that they are suspending trade talks, according to source. Orlando will now focus on their coaching search.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 11, 2012"

 

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With the Nets out of the picture, the two favorites for landing Howard are the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets.

There have been various trade scenarios between the two teams and the Magic, including a three-way trade (per SI.com) where Howard would end up with the Lakers, Andrew Bynum would end up in Houston and the Magic would receive various young players, draft picks and cap room to rebuild.

As the Dwight Howard saga continues, one can only hope for a quick end to one of the longest-running soap operas in sports.