With the Dwight Howard trade talks all but dead for now, the Brooklyn Nets have moved quickly to secure Brook Lopez, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News. The deal is for four years and $61 million, which is essentially a max contract, according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.
Brook Lopez Signs 4-Year, $61 Million Deal With Nets, According To Report
The new contract ensures that the Nets and Magic cannot rekindle Howard trade talks until January 15, which is the first day that Lopez can be traded under his new contract. Lopez was the centerpiece of the Nets' offer to the Magic, but with the Magic pulling out of trade talks earlier Wednesday, the Nets decided keeping Lopez was necessary.
Lopez reportedly was also mulling a four-year maximim-contract offer from the Charlotte Bobcats, but they could only pay him up to $58 million. The Nets, due to rules in the CBA that make it easier for teams to retain their own free agents, were able to offer Lopez a little bit more.
You can track all the Dwight Howard trade drama by visiting this StoryStream. For more on the Nets and Magic, check out NetsDaily and Orlando Pinstriped Post, respectively. The latest updates on all NBA news and rumors are at SB Nation’s dedicated NBA hub.
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