NEW YORK (AP) — Center Brook Lopez has agreed to an extension with the Brooklyn Nets.
Unable to work a trade with Orlando for Dwight Howard, the Nets used the first day contracts could be signed to get a deal done with their current center.
Lopez had been linked to the Magic in trade talks for months, but now knows he will at least begin the season in Brooklyn. He is ineligible to be traded until Jan. 15.
Lopez was limited to five games last season because of injuries, averaging 19.2 points. He had appeared in 82 games in each of his first two NBA seasons and has a 17.4-point career average.
The Nets have already re-signed Deron Williams and Gerald Wallace in a busy offseason, plus acquired All-Star Joe Johnson from the Atlanta Hawks.
