According to Dwight Howard's agent Dan Fegan, the Magic gave their permission to have Howard contact three teams, the Lakers, Nets and Mavericks to explore his options.

Howard is eligible to become a free agent in 2012 and was appearing increasingly unlikely to sign with the franchise in the long-term.

While Howard will have no shortage of suitors, the Nets and Lakers have been considered the favorites to acquire him.

The Nets were one team Howard was given permission to be in communication with. Howard was not present for a Thursday meeting with Mikhail Prokhorov and Billy King.