NBA Trade Rumors: Breaking Down the Latest Dwight Howard Trade Buzz

Dwight Howard said he will not sign an extension if traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, or to anyone for that matter.

According to Dan Fegan, Howard’s agent, via Ric Bucher of ESPN The Magazine, Howard plans to test free agency in the upcoming offseason no matter where he lands in any trade scenario.

The Brooklyn Nets, according to a source in Bucher’s report, never preconditioned any trade attempts with the stipulation that Howard agree to an extension before a trade was made. The Lakers, on the other hand, have made it clear they intend to lock in Howard long-term before executing the trade.

These recent reports from Howard’s agent dispel reports from Wednesday to the contrary. According to ESPN reporter Chris Broussard’s sources, Howard was set to sign a long-term deal if shipped to the Lakers.

With all of the rumors, speculation and drama surrounding the future of Dwight Howard, it is hard to believe anything swirling around at the moment.

This is just another roadblock to the never-ending drama surrounding the Orlando Magic’s star center. One thing is certain, though: Howard will not be back in a Magic uniform in 2013. 

Howard's signing an extension isn’t, however, the only roadblock to getting a deal done.

Recent reports have surfaced from Andrew Bynum’s agent, David Lee, via Mary Schmitt Boyer of The (Ohio) Plain Dealer, indicating that the Cleveland Cavaliers and Bynum’s representation have not interacted at all about Bynum’s intent to sign an extension with the Cavaliers if traded to the team.

His agent also said the rumors about Bynum's desiring Cleveland as one of his top three teams were false and that he didn’t know where the list came from.

Lee went on to further say that any team assuming Bynum’s interest in its organization would be better served having a conversation with his client than speculating about his intentions.

These recent developments may have put a hamper on the hopes of the Lakers in landing Dwight Howard. The Lakers want Howard long-term, need a third party to make the deal appealing to the Magic and must move quickly if they have any hope of making this trade a reality.

If the Cavaliers aren’t involved and the rumors about their interested in this deal turn out to be pure speculation, the Lakers may miss out on their biggest target.

If they fail to get a deal done, will Andrew Bynum hold a grudge after being the center of trade talks this offseason?

How likely is it that he will re-sign in Los Angeles as a result?

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