The Dwight Howard saga finally came to an end on Wednesday, at least for the Brooklyn Nets. After much anticipation of a possible trade between the Orlando Magic and the Nets, talks completely broke down and the one team that Howard desired is the only team that now appears to have no shot at acquiring the prized center. See how it broke down, along with a lot of official free agent signings in today’s news:
Chris Sheridan explains the only way the Nets could still acquire Howard, an unlikely scenario: “So, Brooklyn as Dwight’s future destination? Fuhgeddaboudit. Unless he somehow stays with the Magic into next season, at which time the whole Lopez scenario can be revisited Jan. 15 — the date Lopez and other players who signed this summer with over-the-cap teams become trade-eligible. The Nets will now be capped out next summer if Howard becomes an unrestricted free agent, meaning they would only be able to acquire him through a sign-and-trade. And if Howard plays out his contract and hits the open market next summer, the Dallas Mavericks would immediately become the favorites to land him.”
- Ian O’Connor explains why the blame should fall on no one but Howard for the failed negotiations: “The man to blame is the man in Dwight Howard’s mirror. He would’ve been a Net at the trade deadline, or this week during free agency, had he not agreed in March to opt-in for one more season in Orlando, a move that never made any sense for someone who so desperately wanted to leave the Magic. A move that ultimately cost Howard his dream pairing with Williams in Brooklyn. The moment the megastar center agreed to surrender his freedom was the moment he empowered Magic management to do what it did today: Effectively tell the Nets to sign Lopez and get lost, at least until the winter, and remind Howard that a high-profile, high-salaried employee remains, you know, an employee.”
Brook Lopez has agreed to sign with the Nets, from Adrian Wojnarowski: “Brooklyn has reached agreement on a 4-year, $61 million max deal with Brook Lopez, league source tells Y! Sports.” Howard Beck broke down the details of the structure of the deal: “Brook Lopez’s salary: $13.668mil next season, then $14.694mil, $15.719mil, $16.774mil.”
Meanwhile, Joe Johnson to the Nets became official today, from Roderick Boone: “That All-Star backcourt Nets fans have been salivating about is truly here now. The trade sending Joe Johnson from Atlanta to Brooklyn officially went through today, pairing Johnson with Deron Williams, the face of the franchise. Johnson was acquired in exchange for Anthony Morrow, Jordan Farmar, Johan Petro, Jordan Williams, DeShawn Stevenson, a 2013 first-round pick acquired from the Rockets.”
Of course, Deron Williams also officially became a Net very early Wednesday morning, from Mike Mazzeo: “Deron Williams made it official nearly an hour after the NBA moratorium was lifted Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. ET, signing his five-year, $98 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets in Las Vegas. Williams has an opt-out in his contract after the fourth year, sources told ESPN.com’s Marc Stein. “Officially a Brooklyn Net! Signed my contract on an iPad Just thank God for this wonderful Opportunity #HelloBrooklyn” Williams tweeted.”
Gerald Wallace was also re-signed by the Nets, from Colin Stephenson: “Re-signing Gerald was a top priority this offseason, and we are very pleased that he will continue to be a Net,” Nets GM Billy King said in the press release announcing the deal. “He is a proven veteran who is a leader both on and off the court, and his style of play is critical to the team’s success.” Wallace was the first move the Nets made after the negotiation period for free agency opened at midnight July 1. Later that day, Wallace reportedly agreed to a four-year contract worth $40 million. With Wallace in the fold, the Nets then traded for Joe Johnson the next day, and the day after that, Williams announced he would re-sign with the Nets.”
Jonathan Givony broke the following news that will land the Mavericks a new point guard: “Indiana will acquire Ian Mahinmi (4-years, 16 million) in a sign and trade with Dallas. Darren Collison and Danhtay Jones go to Dallas.”
- As expected, Landry Fields signed an offer sheet with the Toronto Raptors, from Ian Begley: Restricted free agent Landry Fields signed a three-year offer sheet with the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, his agent said. The deal approaches $20 million. The New York Knicks will have three days to match Toronto’s offer. Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo told reporters Wednesday the Knicks are considering re-signing Fields, a third-year guard. “The Knicks have informed me they are very interested in retaining Landry,” Colangelo said, according to the National Post.”
The Mavericks finally found a significant free agent willing to sign with them, from Marc J. Spears: “The Dallas Mavericks have reached an agreement to sign free-agent center Chris Kaman to a one-year, $8 million contract. Kaman’s contract is expected to be finalized Wednesday night after he takes a physical. The Indiana Pacers also had interest in Kaman, but that courtship ended after they decided to match a four-year, $58 million offer sheet for center Roy Hibbert. Kaman averaged 13.1 points and 7.7 rebounds in 47 games with the New Orleans Hornets last season. After the expected departure of Jason Terry and Jason Kidd – and their unsuccessful attempt to land Deron Williams – the Mavericks have a long list of free agents they’re considering. They offered Kaman a short deal to keep their options flexible for next season when Dwight Howard and Chris Paul could become free agents.”
The Mavericks also used their amnesty clause today, from Jeff Caplan: “The Dallas Mavericks will use their amnesty clause on Brendan Haywood, according to a source close to the situation. The move came on the heels of Dallas agreeing to a one-year deal with free-agent center Chris Kaman. Haywood still will receive the remainder of his salary, $27.2 million over the next three seasons. A fourth season is fully non-guaranteed. By using their amnesty clause on Haywood, the Mavs wipe out the $8.3 million on this season’s payroll.”
Steve Nash officially became a Laker today, something he never thought could or would happen: “Being here right now is something I never foresaw,” Nash said Wednesday. “That (jersey) was a major hurdle for me just to get over visually as a player.” The two-time MVP will get used to it. After spending the past 16 years trying to beat L.A. in Phoenix and Dallas, Nash is switching teams to chase NBA titles alongside Kobe Bryant. The Lakers formally welcomed Nash on Wednesday, a week after reaching a deal to get the superstar point guard from the Suns. After several days to get used to these developments, the 38-year-old Nash is eager to open another chapter in his remarkable career — a chapter that will extend to at least 2015 under his new three-year, $27 million contract.
Ray Allen officially became a member of the Heat today and discussed some matters, including his relationship with Rajon Rondo, from Michael Wallace: “What Allen said: “I haven’t spoken with him at all. I know when I came down here, I texted Paul (Pierce) and Kevin (Garnett). Those are the guys I had talked quite a bit with over the years … There are differences. We all have differences. Paul eats Corn Flakes. I might not like Corn Flakes. That’s kind of who we are as individuals … as players we have to put our differences aside.” What it means: There really was a rift between Rondo and Allen. Boston has gradually become Rondo’s team. He’s its best player and most volatile personality. The difference is the Celtics still pay Pierce like a megastar and treats Garnett like one. But Allen’s ego was compromised a bit.”
Jerryd Bayless agreed to terms with the Memphis Grizzlies, from Marc Stein: “The Memphis Grizzlies have reached terms on a contract with free agent guard Jerryd Bayless to help fill the void created by O.J. Mayo’s imminent departure, according to sources with knowledge of the deal. Bayless only became an unrestricted free agent last week when the Toronto Raptors unexpectedly withdrew their qualifying offer to the scoring guard. Sources told ESPN.com that Bayless’ deal with the Grizzlies will be made official later Wednesday.”
Kyle Lowry officially became a Raptor today: “Kyle Lowry is officially a Toronto Raptor. The Raptors finalized the trade for the former Houston point guard Wednesday. The Rockets will receive forward Gary Forbes and a protected future first-round draft choice in return. The deal was first reported last week, shortly after the Raptors missed out on signing Victoria’s Steve Nash. The Canadian star went to the Los Angeles Lakers instead. The 26-year-old Lowry averaged career bests of 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals during the 2011-12 season. He also contributed team highs of 6.6 assists and 32.1 minutes in 47 games, 38 of them starts.”
The Denver Nuggets are negotiating a big contract for JaVale McGee, but could face some competition from the Portland Trail Blazers, according to Benjamin Hochman: “The Nuggets are negotiating with JaVale McGee and his representatives to retain the 7-footer, who could receive a contract worth about $10 million per season. NBA teams are monitoring the movement of post players this summer. Orlando star Dwight Howard could be traded. That potential deal with Brooklyn may involve free-agent center Brook Lopez. Portland tried to acquire Roy Hibbert, but Indiana will match the Trail Blazers’ offer and keep him. That means Portland could be in play for McGee.”
Eric Gordon will likely sign the offer sheet from the Phoenix Suns, which isn’t necessarily a good thing, according to Paul Coro: “NBA teams can start signing free agents Wednesday, and it appears that Eric Gordon will sign a four-year, $58 million offer sheet with the Suns. That is not necessarily a good thing for Phoenix. Signing and submitting the offer sheet to the league office removes the possibility of New Orleans negotiating with the Suns on a sign-and-trade deal, something that the Hornets have not budged toward considering, even after the shooting guard said publicly that he did not want New Orleans to match, criticized how the Hornets handled him since December and that his heart is in Phoenix. Once Gordon’s offer sheet is finalized, the Suns’ only possibility to land Gordon would be for New Orleans to decline to match the offer.”
The Golden State Warriors learned today that trading away Dorell Wright got them Jarrett Jack: “Turns out, the Warriors are going to make out a little bit better than expected when it comes to the Dorell Wright trade. On Tuesday, it seemed as though the Warriors were trading Wright for extra space under the luxury tax, a $4.1 million exception and a player who never figured to be on the team’s roster. Instead, the Warriors will get a legitimate NBA player in the deal: Jarrett Jack. According to a league source, the Wright trade is part of a three-team deal that will land the Warriors a veteran point guard. The source said the deal is not fully completed but it’s close. Jack is expected to back up Steph Curry at point guard.
Speaking of the Warriors, Andrew Bogut and Stephen Curry are both well on schedule to recover from ankle surgeries, according to Rusty Simmons: “The Warriors got good news on both fronts Tuesday, when general manager Bob Myers met Bogut in Los Angeles for his follow-up meeting with Dr. Richard Ferkel. The doctor said Bogut is healing on schedule and is expected to be 100 percent for the opening of training camp. Myers said Bogut will rehab in Los Angeles this week, continue his recovery in Australia and be back in the Bay Area in September. Curry took it a step further. He wanted to be in Las Vegas this week to test his ankle in the Warriors’ summer-league practices, but he’s in Charlotte in anticipation of the birth of his first child.”
- C.J. Watson was waived by the Bulls, according to Alex Kennedy: “C.J. Watson was waived by the Bulls last night. Under-the-cap teams can now claim him. If unclaimed, he’ll be an unrestricted free agent.”
Reports came out today that Jeremy Lin was upset with the New York Knicks for not making an offer before the Houston Rockets did. Lin, however, told his fans not to believe everything written without a quote. Lin, by the way, will have to wait for the Rockets to provide the contract before the Knicks can match, from Marc Berman: “Told by two sources Lin announcement on #Knicks matching offer won’t come today because Rockets haven’t provided contract.”
Kevin Durant is admittedly having a difficult time seeing LeBron James so soon after losing to his team in the NBA Finals: Kevin Durant can’t hide from the hurt this summer. LeBron James is right there every time he steps on the basketball court now. The NBA Finals ended in Miami about three weeks ago, with James’ victory celebration interrupted only briefly to embrace his opponent in a consoling hug. Durant admits it bothers him coming to the gym and seeing James every day. “It does. It does, but what can I do?” Durant said Tuesday. “He’s my teammate now. I’m a team player. I can’t let that affect this. This is bigger than that. It’s tough to lose in the Finals and play the guy you’ve been going up against for five games who beat you. So me, I’m just going to get over it, still be a great teammate, come out and play hard.” Also from Team USA camp in Ls Vegas, our own Jan Hubbard reports that the proposed 23-and-under rule has been met with scorn and contempt from the members of the national team, from Jerry Colangelo on down.
John Wall lobbied to have Randy Wittman return as the coach of the Wizards, and believes his team has a chance to make the playoffs, from Michael Lee: “I’m not going to say I’m the guy that told them to bring him back, but me and Nene had a big word in bringing him back,” Wall said. “We just like the way he coaches, how much he made us better. He made us be committed to the defensive end and just letting the offense come. And he gets on everybody. It doesn’t matter who you are, he gets on you. If you aren’t going hard, he’ll let you know.” And he believes that the Wizards are on the verge of vying for one of the top eight spots in the Eastern Conference after trading Rashard Lewis to New Orleans for Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza, and then drafting Bradley Beal with the third overall pick. “We finished the season very strong and then you make those trades in the offseason and drafting the right people, we’re going the right way,” Wall said. “We have a great chance now to make the playoffs, but it’s up to us.”- Since we’re on the subject, check out Wall’s top 10 dunks from last season.
- We showed you Tyson Chandler posing nude for ESPN the magazine, so it’s only fair that we also show you Candace Parker posing nude for the same issue.
- Also, check out just how ridiculous James Harden’s beard has gotten.
Carmelo Anthony tutors Blake Griffin