Sources: Nets prep Dwight Howard offer

The New Jersey Nets are prepared to offer a trade package featuring Brook Lopez and two future first-round picks to acquire Dwight Howard before the Orlando Magic center becomes a free agent in July 2012, according to sources close to the situation.

Sources told ESPN.com this week that, to sweeten the proposal, New Jersey would likewise offer to take back the contract of Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu, who has three seasons left on his contract worth just under $35 million. Absorbing Turkoglu's remaining salary would become financially feasible for the Nets after the expected release of swingman Travis Outlaw through the amnesty clause that will be included in the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement and by including another smaller contract or two in the deal.

Although teams won't be cleared to start making official roster moves until Dec. 9 at the earliest following the 149-day lockout, sources say team executives have been discussing potential trades for some time in anticipation of a condensed and hurried free agency period before the season's scheduled Dec. 25 start.

No trade deadline for the 2011-12 season has been set in stone yet by the league office, but many team executives believe it will fall in March. Once the league officially re-opens for business, Howard's future in Orlando is sure to be one of the season's dominant story lines, along with Chris Paul's future in New Orleans and the Nets' attempts to secure a long-term commitment from star guard Deron Williams.

It's been an open secret around the league that the Nets' dream scenario is pairing Howard with Williams, after they followed up their failed pursuit of Carmelo Anthony last season by trading for Williams just before the February trade deadline. It remains to be seen whether Howard will regard the Nets as a prime destination on par with the New York Knicks, even after they move out of New Jersey, but sources say that Russian owner Mikhail Prokhorov has long believed that teaming them up would convince both Team USA stars to commit their long-term future to the Brooklyn-bound Nets.

Most rival teams, however, doubt that the Magic can be convinced to start seriously considering trade scenarios for Howard this early. Orlando has thus far resisted outside interest in hopes of convincing the NBA's reigning Defensive Player of the Year to stay in Central Florida. Two team executives monitoring the situation told ESPN.com on Tuesday night that they expect Orlando to take a patient approach with what could be Howard's last year in town.

The Los Angeles Lakers are also expected to eventually lodge their own trade bid for Howard -- featuring some combination of Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom -- but the Nets appear poised to furnish Orlando with a young replacement for Howard in Lopez, two higher draft picks than the Lakers could presumably offer and the ability to shed Turkoglu's expensive deal, which will enable Orlando to take another big rebuilding step.

It should be noted, though, that making such an offer -- even if Orlando ultimately proves amenable -- comes with its own risks for the Nets. The new tentative labor agreement struck last weekend by NBA owners and players has established new restrictions on extend-and-trade deals that would prevent Howard from receiving more than a one-year extension to his current contract as part of any trade. That's a sharp contrast from the four-year extension worth nearly $86 million that Anthony received as part of his trade from Denver to New York in February.

In the event of a trade to any team, Howard would have the choice of a deal that includes a contract extension that could put him back on the free-agent market in the summer of 2014 or a trade without an extension that would preserve his right to opt out of the 2012-13 season on his current deal and become a free agent on July 1, 2012.

The Nets, then, would be putting themselves in danger of surrendering three more prime assets for Howard, after everything they gave up to get Williams, with both stars capable of opting out after the 2011-12 season and becoming unrestricted free agents.

Despite the Nets' obvious interest, the Lakers and Knicks continue to be widely presumed to be Howard's preferred destinations. The Los Angeles Clippers are also regarded as a legit contender Howard, despite the franchise's history under owner Donald Sterling, because they'll have cap space and could pair him with rising star Blake Griffin.

In a recent interview with Esquire magazine, Howard said: "There's more you can do in a bigger place. I'm stuck in a tough position because I feel like right now, where I'm at, I've done so much. And I just don't know what else I can do."

Sources say that the Nets, furthermore, will go ahead with their plans to be very active in free agency starting Wednesday at 9 a.m., when teams and agents are allowed to start discussions about player signings. Howard remains Prokhorov's No. 1 target, but New Jersey is expected to lodge bids for two of the top big men available in free agency -- Denver's Nene and Dallas' Tyson Chandler -- knowing that Howard will be hard to acquire even with its solid trade assets and that Williams is unlikely to stay with the Nets unless the roster is upgraded at center and small forward.

I am not a legal expert, how many times do I have to say it?

Awesome.

Celtics interested in Chris Paul

The Boston Celtics, who already have one of the best point guards in the NBA, are interested in making an upgrade by acquiring the New Orleans Hornets' Chris Paul and would be willing to give up Rondo to get him, sources have told ESPN's Chris Broussard.

The sources say the Celtics are having internal discussions regarding a swap of marquee point guards.

According to an SI.com report, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge is "highly motivated" to land Paul. The report says the Hornets don't appear interested in a two-team deal in which Rondo and Paul would switch places. So Ainge has been trying to find a third team to get involved.

Paul can become a free agent after this season, so the Celtics also would have to convince him to sign an extension with them before giving up Rondo, who has four years and approximately $46 million left on his contract.

Boston is aware, as are many teams around the league, of New Orleans' desire to move Paul rather than go through what Denver did last season with Carmelo Anthony.

Paul was asked earlier Tuesday at a charity event in New York City about speculation that he could soon leave the Hornets.

"I try not to pay attention to all that different type of stuff," Paul said. "My heart is in New Orleans."

This would not be the first time the Celtics have looked into trading Rondo for another point guard.

After last season's playoffs, the Celtics offered Rondo and Jeff Green to Oklahoma City for Russell Westbrook and Kendrick Perkins , sources have told Broussard. The Celtics, looking for another scorer who can create his own offense, thought Westbrook might be available after his erractic postseason play. But Oklahoma was not interested in the deal.

Rondo averaged 10.6 points and 11.2 assists last season, while Paul averaged 15.8 per game (a career low) and 9.8 assists.

I am not a legal expert, how many times do I have to say it?

I have MANY years of experience in trying to appreciate steaming piles of dogshit.

Wasn't there also talk of CP3 going to Clipperland?

So free agent talks can begin today but no one can sign until the 9th?

What is the purpose of the delay? I would think with as short of a time frame as we are dealing with they would want to get things moving as quickly as possible.

I am not a legal expert, how many times do I have to say it?

I have MANY years of experience in trying to appreciate steaming piles of dogshit.

Could you imagine Eddie Curry and LeBron James on the same team? LeBron would absolutely slap that man across the face at one point, and then go cry to D-Wade, who is already crying himself because he somehow hurt his shoulder while tying his new shoes that Chris Bosh bought him for Christmas, who is also crying.

rpb is wrong. Phil McCracken is useful.

RPB is right. You suck.

I'm sure teams are also waiting for a few overseas players to exercise their out-clauses in their international contracts.

Except for JR Smith and Kenyan Martin in China, of course.

The Kings($26M in cap room) are reportedly going to offer David West at least 5 years/$60 million. I'm fully set to laugh my ass off if this deal gets done.

I am not a legal expert, how many times do I have to say it?

The Kings($26M in cap room) are reportedly going to offer David West at least 5 years/$60 million. I'm fully set to laugh my ass off if this deal gets done.

Awesome.

The Kings($26M in cap room) are reportedly going to offer David West at least 5 years/$60 million. I'm fully set to laugh my ass off if this deal gets done.

That's crazy, but with the new cap rules, the teams have to spend a much higher minimum amount on team salary. Last season the Kings had to make a trade just to acquire more salary so they would be above the minimum. Is there anyone else out there to throw big money at? I would make a push for Marc Gasol if I were them.

Not a terrible deal but doesn't make sense when you have Cousins.

Awesome.

If you're offering me McRoberts or 3 first round picks I'm going to take the picks every day. Even if you're his wife you have to feel the same way.

Nene is going to be better than David West going forward. He could be HUGE for the right team.

Could you imagine a line-up of Tyreke-Salmons-Cousins-Nene-and JIMMER together? That could be a lot of fun.

I am not a legal expert, how many times do I have to say it?

Sources: Heat mulling run at Greg Oden

Because of their limited spending power and the multiple areas of their roster that need shored up, the Miami Heat might have to get a little creative in free agency.

That could be part of their plan to address the center position.

The Heat are considering making a run at restricted free agent Greg Oden, league sources said. Oden, who hasn't played in nearly two years after suffering two different knee injuries, has a key doctor's examination this week when he could be cleared to resume contact practices.

Oden has a one-year qualifying offer from the Portland Trail Blazers for $8.9 million on his plate at the moment. The most the Heat could offer is the bulk of the $5 million mid-level exception.

For these reasons, it would seem like an easy choice for Oden if he can return to the floor, which could come as early as January. By making the hefty qualifying offer, the Blazers indicated they have not given up hope even though Oden has only played 82 games since being taken with the No. 1 overall pick in 2007.

But Heat president Pat Riley is known for his powers of persuasion and last year convinced free agent after free agent to take less money to sign in Miami. Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller all took less money than they were offered elsewhere.

It happened right up until March, when Mike Bibby gave up $6 million guaranteed for this season so he could sign with the Heat for a few months at a portion of the league minimum.

The Blazers maintain matching rights for Oden but sources say Riley still is interested in making the pitch.

It is apparently one of a number of options the team is considering. According to sources, they also have been in contact with free-agent centers Nene, Samuel Dalembert and Kwame Brown.

Nene is believed to be intrigued by the Heat, but with numerous teams bidding on him he's likely vastly out of the Heat's price range.

Dalembert, who maintains a home in South Florida, seems like a good fit and there is mutual interest. However, sources said the Kings are expected to make a push to re-sign Dalembert and have the ammo to make a bigger offer.

The Kings need to spend $17 million to reach the new salary floor and overall are about $25 million under the salary cap. They have been telling agents that they intend to be aggressive in spending.

Brown has numerous suitors coming off his most productive season in eight years. He is believed to have interest in re-signing with the Bobcats as well.

The Heat are in the market for perhaps two wing players but center still is their biggest need. Since the end of last season Zydrunas Ilgauskas retired and Erick Dampier and Jamaal Magloire became free agents. Already they had formed the oldest center rotation in the league, an issue that dogged the Heat at times in the playoffs.

Currently their options are playing Bosh or Joel Anthony out of position or hoping for young prospect Dexter Pittman to quickly blossom. They also have been monitoring Eddy Curry for months and may offer him a spot in training camp.

Including Marc Gasol and Tyson Chandler, the free-agent center market is relatively flush this year. League executives have indicated there's also a few centers available in the trade market. With three All-Stars and the core of their Finals team back the Heat are not in any way desperate.

However, their center situation is a priority and this could be the last year they have the ability to use their full mid-level exception for several seasons because of the rules for luxury tax-paying teams in the new collective bargaining agreement

I am not a legal expert, how many times do I have to say it?

Sources: Suns to waive Vince Carter

Vince Carter isn't a free agent yet, but sources close to the situation say the eight-time All-Star will be thrust onto the open market shortly after the end of the lockout.

Based on an amendment in his contract obtained by ESPN.com, Carter must be waived by the Phoenix Suns within 72 hours of the official start of free agency or his $18 million salary for the 2011-12 season becomes fully guaranteed.

The Suns, sources said, have already decided to waive Carter within that window.

The Suns and Carter amended the contract in June to delay the guaranteed-salary date in Carter's final contract year until after the lockout ended. Waiving Carter inside the first 72 hours after the league's schedule start of free agency Friday means that Phoenix would only have to pay $4 million to Carter and likely ensure that the Suns avoid luxury-tax territory this season even after trying to complete the re-signing of Grant Hill and moves with other potential free agents.

The Suns' plan, sources said, is to bring back Hill if possible and make a playoff run this season, then proceed to the summer of 2012 armed with salary-cap space to make major upgrades to the roster.

Sources said the Suns have yet to receive any indication from star guard Steve Nash that he wants to be dealt to a contender, which is why management clings to the hope that the two-time MVP -- who is also headed for free agency in July 2012 -- will retire a Sun.

Carter landed in Phoenix in December 2010 when his hometown Orlando Magic dealt him to the Suns with Marcin Gortat, Mickael Pietrus, $3 million and a 2011 first-round draft pick in exchange for Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Richardson and Earl Clark. A month later, Carter became the 37th player in league history to reach the 20,000-point plateau, but it has long been assumed around the league that Phoenix wanted him in the deal purely for the payroll relief Carter's contract affords.

Chicago, Miami and San Antonio are expected to be among the teams interested in signing Carter, 34, once he clears waivers and becomes an unrestricted free agent.

I am not a legal expert, how many times do I have to say it?

I am not a legal expert, how many times do I have to say it?