With reports circulating yesterday that all-star center Dwight Howard was willing to sign an extension if traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, new reports today suggest otherwise.

According to Howard's agent, Dan Fegan, those reports were false.

"Dwight's position has remained unchanged since the end of this past season," said Dan Fegan of LaGardere Unlimited. "He fully intends to explore free agency at the end of next season, regardless of what team trades for him, including Brooklyn."

If he waits until his current deal expires, Howard would be eligible to sign a new five-year deal for as much as $108 million.

Howard told the Magic, according to GM Rob Hennigan, he would like to be traded to the Brooklyn Nets above any other team. The Nets made concentrated efforts to strike a deal for Howard earlier this month, but never insisted Howard commit to an extension as a prerequisite for acquiring him.

Eventually the Nets were forced to cease their efforts for the all-star when the Charlotte Bobcats threatened to sign their restricted free agent center, Brook Lopez, to an offer sheet.

Lopez was expected to be a key part of any deal with the Magic and signing an offer sheet could have preempted including him in any deal, depending on the terms of the offer sheet.

The Nets soon after came to the conclusion that they weren't getting anywhere in negotiations with the Magic, the Nets eventually signed Lopez to a four-year, $61 million deal.

Since the Nets dropped out the hunt, the Lakers have become the primary suitor for Howard, going as far as to seek assistance from the Houston Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers as potential third-team participants to deliver the salary relief, draft picks and young talent that Orlando is seeking in return for Howard.