Report: Nets, Dwight Howard finalize buyout

The Dwightmare is officially over... for now.

Jared Weiss of The Athletic reports that Dwight Howard and the Brooklyn Nets have finalized a buyout, as expected. Howard was traded to Brooklyn in a deal that sent Timofey Mozgov to Charlotte for Howard, the Nets second-round pick in 2021 and undisclosed cash considerations. Howard is expected to sign with Washington for the taxpayer mid-level exception of $5.3 million.

The Nets had $6.6 million in cap space before the buyout. There are no details on how much he’s giving up, but in the best case scenario for Brooklyn, Howard would give back $8 million so the Nets can take on another big contract, possibly in a salary dump.

The buyout agreement was the Nets idea. But Howard told ESPN “I want to be in a situation where I have an opportunity to help a team win. That’s my only goal. All I need is a real chance and a clean slate where it’s not people talking about my past.”

The Nets were well aware of his locker room issues which have plagued him for years. With Brooklyn trying to build a culture and play the young guys, there was no room for D12.

Furthermore, they wanted a solid big who could be a good influence on Jarrett Allen. Howard was not that guy. So, instead, they went with Ed Davis for $4.4 million

• Dwight Howard agrees to buyout with Nets, reports say - Greg Logan - Newsday
• Dwight Howard’s short time with the Nets is over - Brian Lewis - New York Post
• Dwight Howard’s tenure with the Nets comes to an end, and it was quite the run - Scott Chuisano - New York Daily News
• Report: Dwight Howard Agrees To One-Year Deal with Wizards - Ryne Nelson - SLAM
• Sources: Wizards to sign Dwight Howard after Nets buyout - Jared Weiss - The Athletic Boston