The Brooklyn Nets have acquired Dwight Howard from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Timofey Mozgov, two second-round picks, and cash considerations.
Deal includes Nets sending two future second-round picks and cash to Charlotte for Howard, who has a $23.8M expiring contract. https://t.co/v4sOImIHl2
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2018
This move was a salary dump for the Nets, who were able to rid themselves of Mozgov and his monstrous contract. The 7’1″ Russian is set to make around 16 million for the next two seasons despite unimpressive numbers. Last season, Mozgov averaged a minuscule 4.2 points and 3.2 rebounds in just over 11 minutes per game. He has undoubtedly been a disappointment since he signed his 4-year, 64 million dollar deal with the Lakers before being traded to Brooklyn in the DeAngelo Russell deal.
The Nets also get a proven veteran in Howard who was a premier center in this league in his prime. Just look at his resume: 8-time NBA All-Star, 5-time All-NBA First Team, and 3-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. He also led the league in blocks twice and rebounds five times. He understands how to be successful at this level, and the Brooklyn front office assuredly secured Howard not only for his abilities on the floor but also as a leader and potential mentor for other young bigs on the team.
Guys like Jarrett Allen and Jahlil Okafor are only 20 and 22 years old, respectively, and have a lot to learn about what it takes to make a name for themselves in the NBA. But, with the help of veteran voices in the locker room like Howard, the Nets hope to nurture their player development so they can turn these players’ potential into production.
The Nets can pat themselves on the back on this one, ridding themselves of a bad contract and adding the once coveted center all in one deal. The trade also opens up lots of cap room for 2019 free agency, leaving the Nets with the potential to sign two players to max contracts.
Howard has finally got his wish, having requested a trade to the Nets organization during his time with the Magic.
Featured Image Via Flickr/Keith Allison
