The Nets have told sources that they have cut off talks with the Magic to acquire Orlando's disgruntled center Dwight Howard. Brooklyn will now focus instead on signing Brook Lopez to a max extension. Lopez's agents had been pushing the team to sign him by today, or be forced to match potential max offers from other teams (thought to be the Bobcats and Trail Blazers). If he signs an extension with the Nets, Lopez, who has long been Brooklyn's primary trade chip in any deal with Orlando, cannot be moved until January 15. Although brand new Magic general manager Rob Hennigan just said in a press conference that "we haven't ruled out anything" in a question about a possible Howard trade, so...
[via ESPN]
