Lakers Rumors: New CBA Projects Dwight Howard to Wait Until Free Agency

The Los Angeles Lakers want Dwight Howard. The Orlando Magic want Andrew Bynum. And the rest of the world just wants the two to sign an extension with someone so we don't have to hear about this anymore.

Unfortunately for the rest of the world, this is, well, the real world we're living in, and, in the real world, NBA superstars generally hold out for the most money possible.

That appears to be the case with Howard and Bynum.

ESPN NBA Insider Larry Coon described the latest collective bargaining agreement on Monday:

Players such as Howard and Bynum are left to choose between adding three years of security via an extension, versus four or five by first becoming a free agent. It's no surprise that they might prefer to wait for free agency, even if they intend to re-sign with their prior teams.

So not only will Howard and Bynum likely receive more money in free agency if they perform well next season, they will get to take on a couple extra years of spectacular salaries. It's a win-win...for both of them.



Will they at least be traded to a different team this summer?



Well, there's still that possibility (specifically for Howard, who has apparently grown tired of the up-and-down roller coaster in Orlando), but that doesn't mean either will stay with that team. At this point, there's a minimal chance they would sign an extension sometime next season.

Of course, in the Lakers' case, they couldn't be less happy about the situation. Bynum, who has already clashed with the organization, will likely ask for a maximum-level contract extension if he's still in L.A. next season, while the Lakers likely won't have the money to go after Howard in the summer of 2013.

Translation: The Lakers better hope they capture a championship next season because there's a good chance they won't have an elite center after that.

 

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