New Jersey Nets set sights on Dwight Howard – NBA Rumour Mill
The New Jersey Nets are putting in a serious effort to lure Dwight Howard to the franchise, it has been learnt. Howard is probably the most coveted NBA commodity right now and a whole host of teams are apparently after his signature.
However, the Nets seem to be a little more desperate than the rest.
There are signs that some big moves are going to be made that could make or break New Jersey. Earlier it was confirmed that Nets star Deron Williams fired his old agent and hired the well connected Jeff Schwartz. Schwartz has as
many as 20 clients which include big names such as Boston Celtics hero Paul Pierce and rookie sensation Blake Griffin to name just two.
The reason behind Williams switching agents is believed to be his desire to get some quality help for himself in New Jersey, or go join it somewhere else. The Nets really want to avoid the latter.
Therefore they have started making efforts to get some big name players that will convince Deron Williams to stay, and they don’t come any bigger than Dwight Howard.
The challenge for the Nets is that Howard has said he doesn’t want to move from Orlando Magic, yet. Howard has publicly declared his intent to stay with the Orlando franchise for another year. After that, Howard is a free agent,
and will likely move.
The Nets, like many other teams, could have decided to wait till then, but they have a dilemma of their own. Deron Williams can opt out of his contract next summer, which in theory means that the star might not, but in practical
terms he is already expected to do so.
Losing Williams in free agency will simply wreck the Nets, who did so much to bring him here. Therefore they need to pitch to Williams that they are committed to improving the players around him so that he and the franchise can
become genuine contenders for the NBA World Championship.
If they succeed in doing that, they can sign Williams to a long term deal next summer. Bringing in Dwight is the way. So expect a lot of movement behind the scenes. Howard won’t come cheap and Brook Lopez and some other players
should be expected to move in the opposite direction if a trade takes place.
If the NBA lockout ends in time to allow it to take place, a shortened season might end up taking the time away for the Nets that they need to close any deal. Then we will be left with a free agency in 2012 with Deron Williams,
Dwight Howard and Chris Paul all up for grabs.
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