Cavs Won't Trade Unless Bynum Signs Extension
According to a report from Yahoo! Sports, the Cleveland Cavaliers will only participate as the third team in a deal that could send Dwight Howard to Los Angeles if Andrew Bynum signs a contract extension with the team.
The Lakers want the framework of the three team deal agreed in principle before allowing the Cavaliers to speak to Andrew Bynum about his willingness to sign a contract extension with the Cavaliers.
However, this won't happen unless Orlando decides on whether they want to lock in the framework of a possible deal.
Both Bynum and Howard will be free agents next summer and Bynum is only 24 years old and could earn more money in a bigger market. That is why Cleveland needs a commitment from Bynum in order to go ahead with this deal. Owner dan Gilbert is trying to sell Bynum on teaming him up with young explosive point guard Kyrie Irving as a potential framework of a championship team.
Howard seems much more likely to agree to an extension since the Lakers are a perennial contender and Los Angeles is a very large market where Dwight Howard can really cash in on his endorsement deals.
However, Howard really had his heart set on playing for the Brooklyn Nets and he could just play the field next summer and see if the Nets offer him a deal.
The Rockets are still trying to make a play for Howard's services and since Cleveland may back out, the Rockets could be an intriguing team to look out for in the coming days or weeks.
