In yesterday's round-up of Dwight Howard rumors, we heard that the Nets and Magic were "still plugging away" in negotiations, and that the Magic are seeking cap relief in any deal. The Lakers also remain in the hunt, as Kobe Bryant would welcome the opportunity to play with Howard, even if he won't actively recruit him. As the Howard trade talks continue, we'll round up Friday's updates right here, with the latest items up top:
- There hasn't been any movement on the Howard talks today, according to Ken Berger of CBSSports.com (Twitter link). In addition to the Nets and Lakers, the Hawks, Mavericks, and Rockets remain in play, Berger adds.
Earlier updates:
- A source with knowledge of the Magic/Nets discussions tells SI.com's Sam Amick that if the two sides don't agree to a deal within the next week, talks could be shelved until after December 15th. At that point, free agents signed this summer could be included in deals, expanding the possibilities.
- Amick adds that the Lakers may have hurt their chances at Howard by trading multiple first-round picks to the Suns in the Steve Nash sign-and-trade. First-round picks are assets that the Magic covet in any deal involving Howard, even if they will likely be late first-rounders, says Amick.
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