The Magic will only play once in New Jersey this season, but can the same be said about Dwight Howard? Howard and the Magic arrive at Prudential Center tonight amidst speculation that Howard would like to be a Net, if not by March 15th, then perhaps by the start of next season. With New Jersey scuffling along at 10-24, the rumors surrounding Howard and Nets point guard Deron Williams figure to get more attention today than the game itself, so let's keep tabs on today's Howard updates here. As usual, the latest items will be added up top throughout the day….
- The Nets have promoted Howard's appearance in Jersey heavily, hoping to "provide an atmosphere to impress," says Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News.
- Assuming he's not traded, Howard would give up an extra year and around $30MM in guaranteed money if he signed with the Nets this summer rather than re-signing with the Magic. However, Bondy hears from a source familiar with Howard's thinking that the lost year doesn't bother D12 much, as endorsement deals in the right market could help make up the difference.
- A source tells Bondy it's not a sure thing that Williams would leave the Nets if the team can't obtain Howard.