When Deron Williams met with Nets media last week, he stressed how much the team’s management values his suggestions.
“It definitely feels good to have that support,” Williams said. “I have a lot of input. They ask me about guys, about who I like to play with. That’s great, any time management will come and ask you that.”
When Dwight Howard met with Magic media yesterday, he stressed how much he feels the team’s management has ignored him.
“The stuff I’ve asked for, or the stuff I felt our team needed to get better, none of it has happened,” Howard told reporters. “There’s a lot of guys I’ve mentioned. It’s not just been this summer. It’s been the past couple of years.”
And that’s why Williams wants to stay a Net and Howard has asked to be traded from the Magic — specifically to the Nets. Howard said that since he made his request, he has not spoken with Orlando general manager Otis Smith.
“I sat down with Otis and ownership and told them how I felt. I told them we should do it as quiet as possible for it would be any problems for a year,” Howard said, adding he wanted to avoid a circus, such as the one that surrounded the trade of Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks last season.
Too late.
Smith told reporters Magic brass heard Howard’s suggestions and checked out the recommendations.
“Some we have. Some we don’t,” said Smith, who also was quoted as saying, “I’m not close to anything” regarding a trade of Howard.
Orlando wants to explore all options for the best deal for Howard, who told Smith he wants to go to the Nets. The Lakers lurk, however, although they reportedly won’t give up both Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol, which is great news for the Nets.
For Orlando to get the value it wants, the Nets, who can absorb Hedo Turkoglu’s contract, have sought a multi-team trade, a specialty of GM Billy King. Orlando apparently is not looking to rebuild, having just re-signed Jason Richardson and agreed to add Glen Davis (at Howard’s request, Smith said).
And in the past week, two premier talents, Williams and Howard, have said they want to be Nets. What once was considered a professional death sentence is desirable.
“It makes me smile a little,” said Williams, noting Howard is a friend. “I talk to Dwight all the time.”