With Howard talks stalled, Nets re-sign Lopez

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INKING A NEW DEAL: With trade talks for Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard stalling, the Brooklyn Nets opted to re-sign centre Brook Lopez, reportedly four years for a maximum $US60 million.

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The Brooklyn Nets re-signed center Brook Lopez to a new four-year deal on Wednesday, effectively ending their bid for Orlando big man Dwight Howard.

The Nets had reportedly been negotiating a trade over the last few days for the All Star Howard, who has requested to be dealt to Brooklyn, but a lack of progress turned their attention back to their own free agent center.

The 24-year-old Lopez will receive a four-year contract worth a maximum of $60 million, and for the moment is a part of a changing Nets franchise that has moved from New Jersey to Brooklyn and will play in a new arena in the coming season.

The Nets have also retained point guard Deron Williams and traded for All Star Joe Johnson this off-season.

Lopez played just five games last season after breaking his right foot in the final pre-season game, and injuring himself again during the season.

The seven-footer has career averages of 17.4 points and 7.5 rebounds.

"Brook Lopez is one of the top young centers in the NBA," Nets general manager Billy King told the team's website (nba.com/nets).

"We have witnessed his growth as a player over the past four years, and are very pleased that he will remain in a Nets uniform as we begin our new era in Brooklyn."

- Reuters