Report: Andrew Bynum’s Reluctance to Sign Extension With Magic a Stumbling Block in Potential Dwight Howard Trade

A Dwight Howard-for-Andrew Bynum swap — with some other pieces included, of course — seems to make plenty of sense for both the Lakers and the Magic. However, it's looking less and less likely.

Despite the Magic's desire to make Bynum the centerpiece of a potential trade with the Lakers, Bynum is reluctant to commit to a long-term contract if he is traded to Orlando, according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski. That reluctance has created a major stumbling block in a potential Howard-for-Bynum swap, as the Magic reportedly don't want to face the possibility of losing Bynum to free agency after this season.

All of this amounts to the Nets emerging as the front-runners in the Howard sweepstakes, while Los Angeles looks like a less realistic destination.

No matter what happens, though, we could find out soon. The Magic reportedly don't want to partake in a prolonged process, and therefore want to find the best possible deal for Howard soon in order to cut ties with the six-time All-Star.

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Photo via Facebook/Andrew Bynum