The Brooklyn Nets' blockbuster trade for Atlanta Hawks star Joe Johnson likely means that they have bowed out of the Dwight Howard sweepstakes, even though the Orlando Magic star has the Nets as the only team on his wish list. The Nets likely won't have the salary-cap space to take on Howard in the future, and it appears they have decided to move on after Howard decided to stay with the Magic for one more year back in March.
Joe Johnson Trade Likely Knocks Nets Out Of Dwight Howard Sweepstakes, According To Report
Source on Nets moving on from possibility of getting Dwight: "Dwight blew it in March'' when he waived opt-out clause.
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 2, 2012
Howard may want to go to the Nets, but by waiving the opt-out clause, he surrendered a lot of his leverage. Indeed, according to NBA.com’s David Aldridge, new Magic general manager Rob Hennigan was not interested by any Nets offer potentially on the table.
Instead of Howard, the Nets will push forward with a team that likely includes Johnson, Gerald Wallace, Deron Williams (hopefully for their sake) and Brook Lopez (likely).
For more on the Brooklyn Nets, check out Nets Daily. Atlanta Hawks news and info can be found at Peachtree Hoops, and all your NBA free agency coverage is available at SB Nation's NBA page.
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