It seems like now or never for the Brooklyn Nets and Orlando Magic to consummate a long-bandied about trade to send superstar center Dwight Howard from Orlando to Brooklyn. Multiple sources are reporting that the Nets have offered center Brook Lopez, an essential part of a trade with the Magic, a four-year, $58-million max contract.
The New York Daily News explains the situation as it now stands:
If Lopez re-signs with the Nets and doesn't agree to a sign and trade, it would kill any deal for Howard until at least Dec. 15 (when players can be traded after signing contracts in the offseason), or maybe forever (if Howard is dealt elsewhere).