Now that Dwight Howard has scared the hell out of Orlando by all but announcing his imminent departure — though this isn’t really news — writers are starting to frantically piece together the best offers Orlando could get in return for the star big man. One of those guys, Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel, cites six potential destinations for Howard: L.A. (with the Lakers), New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Miami, and Boston. On the Nets, Schmitz notes: “Magic could get back C Brook Lopez, players, picks … but I let Howard walk instead of adding contracts to balance trade.”
Mark Nugent put together a comprehensive article about different deals the Magic should consider for Dwight from the Clippers, Lakers, Bulls and Knicks… and then a comparatively basic one from New Jersey (the same Brook Lopez & picks). Makes sense, though; framing Nets deals is slightly premature considering that 1) Brook is the only piece of the Nets’ half-roster that’s a legitimate trading block, and 2) the continuing labor negotiations are sure to further rock the economic boat.
A new art installation hosted by non-profit public arts organization ArtBridge adorns the walls of the Barclays Center construction, with twenty works by “emerging artists.” The theme of the 2,500-foot display is “works in progress,” and will be up through March. The article also reminds us: 84 percent of the arena’s steel is now in place, and the construction is on schedule as planned.
Speaking of Barclays, Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) Facilities will manage the Barclays Center’s facilities and events. Some of AEG’s more notable arenas include Los Angeles’s Staples Center and Miami’s American Airlines Arena.