Magic center Dwight Howard says Courtney Lee is still hurting over his trade to the Nets back in June.

Lee started for Orlando in the NBA Finals against the Lakers, playing a major role for the club as a rookie.

The Magic traded him to New Jersey as part of a package for Vince Carter.

"He's hurting," Howard said Thursday, according to the New York Post. "He's not just upset, he's hurting."

Howard added that Lee was ready to get back in the gym and work on his game with his Magic teammates this season.

"He was ready to get back in the gym and work on it and he got traded so he's hurting," Howard added.

New Jersey forward Bobby Simmons believes that Lee will get over the pain once he gets comfortable with the Nets.

"Once he gets here, his mindset will change," Simmons said. "Once he gets here and meets the guys on the team, he'll be fine."