Dwight Howard regrets his decision to forgo his early termination option on his 12-13 contract, according to sources

Howard seeks a trade before next season and his camp is applying pressure on the Magic to pursue a deal as soon as a new general manager is in place.

Several GM candidates have been creating trade scenarios involving Howard and proposing them to CEO Alex Marins during the interview process.

If the Nets win the lottery to select Anthony Davis, it will not be enough to sign Deron Williams as a free agent, according to sources.

"It's Dwight Howard or bust," said a league source who has spoken to Williams.

Williams doesn't want to wait for Davis to develop and won't re-sign with the team unless they become an instant contender.

The Nets believe they will be able to retain Brook Lopez in a potential trade with the Magic if they win the lottery.

Sources say Howard regrets opting into his contract and seeks a trade before the 12-13 season. But the Nets become a far less appealing destination if Williams leaves and that is why Howard's camp is putting pressure on the Magic to do a deal once a general manager is in place.

The Wizards have the option of buying out Rashard Lewis for $13.7 million, which would represent an approximate reduction of payroll of $10 million.

Lewis is scheduled to be the second highest paid player in the NBA.

Washington has until June 30th to complete the buyout.

The Wizards can also create more cap space by using their amnesty clause on Andray Blatche.

But multiple sources contend the Wizards will look to trade both Lewis and Blatche rather than pay them not to play for the club.

The Warriors are working on a trade with the Jazz to keep their first round pick regardless of what happens in the lottery, according to sources.

Golden State has a 72 percent change of keeping their pick as it is top-seven protected.

But the Warriors are interested in insuring that they keep the pick in case a team behind them jumps into the top-three.

The Warriors are prepared to give up a trade asset or two.

One source with knowledge of the discussions described the chances of a trade by Wednesday as "likely."

The Warriors can offer Utah a combination of future draft considerations, cash and/or a relaxation of the current restrictions on Utah's rights to the pick in question in either 2013 or 2014. At present, Golden State's 2013 pick is top-seven protected and its 2014 pick is top-six protected.

Kyle Lowry believes he and Kevin McHale can no longer coexist.

Lowry underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia and torn abductor muscles three weeks ago and briefly returned to the Toyota Center on Friday.

“I don’t think so,” Lowry said about whether he and McHale can continue. “I honestly think it would be tough. Things have to be addressed. The situation would have to be addressed.

“If things aren’t addressed coaching-wise, I guess I have to be moved.”

McHale believed he worked well with Lowry.

“That’s very surprising,” McHale said. “I didn’t think we had too much of a problem coexisting this year. Everybody has a little beef every once in a while. I didn’t feel like (there were problems). He apparently did.

“There were times that we didn’t agree on things. There were times that I got on him. I don’t think it was unduly harsh on anybody.”

Daryl Morey believes the relationship can be salvaged.

“I think Kyle and coach McHale are both winners and both competitive guys,” Morey said. “I don’t anticipate any issues going forward.”

The Magic hope the new general manager will convince Dwight Howard to sign a long-terme extension with the teams.

Two sources denied a report from Chris Sheridan that the Magic have already decided to trade Howard.

CEO Alex Martins has spoken publicly about how the franchise doesn't want to enter the 12-13 season with uncertainty about Howard's future, meaning that they will attempt to trade him if he doesn't agree to an extension.

Pau Gasol has not yet received a definitive answer on his future with the Lakers.

Gasol met with the media following his exit interview on Wednesday.

“It’s still very much possible that this is one of my last days," Gasol said. "Every day could be my last day. It’s not sentimental, but it does cross your mind that there could be a change.

"I wish I could have clarification right now. They can’t give it to me."

Mitch Kupchak said he would have to wait until meeting with Lakers ownership before commenting on Gasol’s future with the team.

“I have not met with ownership,” Kupchack said. “I’m not sure what direction the team is going to go. No additional information to share with you right now."

Gasol was a focus of constant trade rumors after nearly being sent to Houston in a three-way deal that would have brought Chris Paul to Los Angeles.

"I don’t expect he’ll ever be the same based on what took place,” Kupchak said. "He did the best anybody could do in being a professional. He’s the consummate teammate and the consummate professional. With what took place, I’m sure there’s some trust that’s not quite the same."

Deron Williams prefers to re-sign with the Nets, but he also would consider going to the Lakers in a sign-and-trade, according to a source.

The Lakers appear to be a more suitable alternative for Williams than the Mavericks.

"There's no longevity there," said a source close to Williams of the Mavericks.

Dwight Howard still prefers a trade from the Magic, according to a source.

Orlando announced that the tenures of Stan Van Gundy and Otis Smith were over on Monday, but Howard still seeks a trade before the start of the season, according to the source.

The Nets are considered the frontrunner, but "it is not going to be a one-horse race,” the source said. The Mavericks and Knicks are also in the conversation, while the Lakers and Clippers are as well to a lesser extent.

Howard is eager to begin the next phase of his career and the Magic don't want a repeat of circumstances they endured during the 11-12 season.

Executives from the Magic are expected to meet with Howard soon and will accomodate his trade request should he ask for a trade.

The team that is able and willing to take back the contract of Hedo Turkoglu is likely to have an edge in trading for Howard.

Raja Bell has one season remaining on his three-year deal with the Jazz, but is not expecting to return next season.

"I don't think I have a future with the team," said Bell on Tuesday.

Bell has had an issue with the communication gap between himself and Tyrone Corbin. Bell took exception with the way Corbin told him about his decision to move him to a reserve role at the end of the 10-11 season.

"I just thought that the way I was handled by Ty was unprofessional," Bell said.

Bell didn't see any postseason minutes against the Spurs.

"When it gets to a point where there's absolutely no communication for months on end," Bell said, "I think we all know that that's irreparable damage."

Bell believes he can be a contributor on another team.

"I do think given the opportunity and a role that's established and not just jumping all over the place from night to night that I could contribute," Bell said. "Hopefully, (Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor) and the brass here find a way to make it work for all of us."