Lopez, nets closer

[truebluefan]

Brooklyn's fully guaranteed the first 4 years, $58M of a max deal offer for Brook Lopez, sources tell Y! Sides still discussing 5th year.

This is Brooklyn's way to stave off Lopez signing an offer sheet elsewhere, and crushing a sign-and-trade possibility for Dwight Howard.

The Nets can have more flexibility with the guarantees on a 5th year of a max deal, because no team can offer Lopez more than four years.

To keep alive chances to get Howard, Billy King can't let Lopez sign sheet. Nor can he let him walk if Nets don't get DH. Has to pay Lopez.