On Saturday, the Hornets, Lakers and Rockets submitted a revised version of their three-team trade that would send Chris Paul to L.A., Pau Gasol to Houston, and a group of Rockets to New Orleans. The teams are hoping that the revision will satisfy David Stern's need for more young players landing with his Hornets.
The Lakers, however, are looking to retain the ability to also trade for Dwight Howard. And Ken Berger's sources tell him that Howard is "is unequivocal that the Lakers are his first choice."
"Though Howard clearly is the biggest prize in this game of musical chairs among future free agents," Berger writes, "his future and the status of free-agent big man Nene are on hold until the outcome of the Paul saga is determined." Berger follows his story up with a tweet saying that "additional young talent to New Orleans will be coming from the Rockets."
Meanwhile, Magic GM Otis Smith has confirmed to the Orlando Sentinel that Howard has requested a trade, but Smith also said, according to Josh Robbins, that he "will make every effort to keep the All-NBA First Team center," and that "he hasn't decided for certain that he will trade Howard before the March 15 trade deadline."
As for Nene, word is that Houston may be able to clear enough space in the Chris Paul deal to match the Nets' offer of $64 million over four years. Sam Amick says the Nuggets were only willing to give Nene five years and $60 million and the Pacers four years and $52 million
- Revised deal reached to send Paul to L.A. - Ken Berger - CBS Sports
- Dwight Howard requests trade from Orlando Magic - Josh Robbins - Orlando Sentinel
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Mavericks pursuing big man Sam Dalembert after Tyson Chandler signs with Knicks - Sam Amick - Sports Illustrated