"So much for a new collective bargaining agreement actually helping the Orlando Magic retain Dwight Howard for years to come. Some details of the owners' latest — and, supposedly, last, best — offer have trickled out, and one of those terms would hamper the Magic's ability to keep its superstar center when, and if, he becomes a free agent during the summer of 2012. As The Associated Press has reported, the owners' current proposal would permit teams over the luxury-tax threshold to make sign-and-trade deals over the first two years of a new collective bargaining agreement. That stipulation would put the Los Angeles Lakers and other taxpayers back into the Howard mix in 2012, when they otherwise might not have room under salary cap to make a max offer to Howard in free agency. To be sure, Howard has emphasized that he hasn't made a decision about his future yet. But he has acknowledged that playing in a large market has some allure to him. The Lakers could have more appeal than any other large-market franchise. The Lakers have Kobe Bryant, whom Howard respects, and a long winning tradition. Southern California also boasts a warm-weather climate and Hollywood." Read more: http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sp...rs-shot-at-landing-dwight-howard-in-2012.html
