Leave it to the Denver Nuggets to end the Dwight Howard drama.
According to sources, the Orlando Magic officially put an end to the Howard fiasco on Thursday night. The Magic dealt the talented big man to the Lakers in a four-team blockbuster deal in which the Nuggets landed Andre Iguodala on Thursday night.
Orlando also received Arron Afflalo, Al Harrington and a protected pick from each team.
Iguodala’s unique style of play is a perfect fit for the Nuggets fast-paced style. But the addition of Iguodala came at a price, as Denver lost Afflalo and Harrington – who were two of the leaders on last season’s team.
The Nuggets also traded a draft pick in the deal.
Probably the biggest lost in the trade was Harrington’s production off the bench. He was among the top scorers off the bench in the NBA last season. But there was a logjam at the forward position with Wilson Chandler returning from overseas and the development of Jordan Hamilton. It is also an opportunity for newly acquired Anthony Randolph to step up and get playing time, but until then Chandler will step into the role that is voided by Harrington’s absence.
The deal also helps the Lakers, who squeaked by the Nuggets in the first round last season, and strengths their squad which seemed to be playing on their final leg last season. The Lakers also added Antawn Jamison and Steve Nash in the offseason.