NBA roundup: Dwight Howard’s agent given go-ahead

Orlando Magic general manager Otis Smith has given permission for Dwight Howard’s representatives to discuss Howard’s long-term future with three other teams, Howard’s agent said.

Joel Glass, the Magic’s chief spokesman, told the Orlando Sentinel that Smith first granted that permission on Friday night to the Dallas Mavericks, the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Jersey Nets.

That permission, Glass, said, came after a meeting that an ESPN report said took place between Howard and Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov and Nets general manager Billy King on Thursday night in Miami without the Magic’s knowledge or permission.

Howard told reporters he did not meet with the Nets.

Dan Fegan, Howard’s agent, told national news outlets and the Sentinel that he did nothing improper.

Magic officials continue to say they want to keep Howard long-term. And even if Howard decides on a specific team, it does not mean the Magic are required to trade him there.

Still, the permission given by Smith appears to be the most tangible sign yet that the Magic know they may have to trade Howard if the All-NBA center tells them he will not re-sign with them.

West agrees to deal with Indiana Pacers

David West is headed north to Indiana, where he will join forces with Danny Granger and former Hornets teammate Darren Collison.

West agreed to a two-year deal with the Pacers that his agent, Lance Young, said was worth $20 million.

The Pacers have not yet announced the signing, but West said he planned to be in Indianapolis today.

Around the league

The Phoenix Suns re-signed forward Grant Hill and signed guard Sebastian Telfair and first-round pick Markieff Morris. The 39-year-old Hill agreed to a one-year, $6.5 million contract. Telfair also agreed to a one-year deal. … The New York Knicks have signed veteran guard Mike Bibby, re-signed forward Jared Jeffries, and inked their two draft picks, guard Iman Shumpert and center Josh Harrellson. … The Golden State Warriors signed Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan to a four-year offer sheet worth approximately $42.7 million. As a restricted free agent, the Clippers have three days to match the offer. The Warriors also waived guard Charlie Bell under the new amnesty provision, wiping his remaining contract from the salary cap and avoiding any luxury tax penalties. … The Portland Trail Blazers have signed 16-yard NBA veteran center Kurt Thomas. Terms of the deal were not announced. At 39, Thomas is the NBA’s oldest active player.