Dwight Howard still plans on becoming a free agent, his rep says

Dwight Howard’s agent denied reports that the Orlando Magic center had agreed to sign a contract extension with the Lakers if traded to L.A.

“Dwight’s position has remained unchanged since the end of this past season,” Dan Fegan told Ric Bucher of ESPN. “He fully intends to explore free agency at the end of next season, regardless of what team trades for him, including Brooklyn.”

Howard had initially said that he wanted to play for the Nets but after trade talks fell through, there were rumors that he’d be willing to play for the Lakers, Rockets and Mavericks.

The Lakers have been in talks with the Magic about acquiring Howard, but are reportedly unwilling to engage in a trade unless Howard agrees to a commitment that extends beyond the 2012-13 season.

On Thursday, a report by RealGM.com claimed that Howard would be willing to sign a contract extension with the Lakers. The cog in the trade was whether Andrew Bynum would be willing to sign a contract extension with Cleveland, according to a Yahoo Sports report, which claimed that the Cavs were willing to participate in a three-team deal if Bynum would commit long-term.

But Bynum’s agent, David Lee, told The Times’ Ben Bolch that his client had not said whether he’d be willing to sign a contract extension with another team besides the Lakers.

The game of musical chairs between the league’s top two centers rages on. Who will be starting in a purple-and-gold uniform next season remains unknown.

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