The Nets have finalized a buyout of Dwight Howard's contract, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
The buyout allows Howard to sign a two-year deal with the Wizards, sources told ESPN. According to Tim Bontemps of The Washington Post, Howard will not clear waivers until Monday.
Shortly after trading for the eight-time All-Star, Howard requested one, according to Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports.
"I want to be in a situation where I have an opportunity to help a team win," Howard told Chris Haynes of ESPN. "That's my only goal. All I need is a real chance and a clean slate where it's not people talking about my past."
The Nets acquired Howard from the Hornets for Timofey Mozgov as well as two future second-round picks and cash. The deal saves the Nets $17 million in 2019-20, which will allow them to sign two max-salary players if they choose.
"I was just really in total shock because I wasn't expecting it to happen," he said. "I thought this season was really good. For one, this is the healthiest I've been and two, my stats this season has been one of the best since I've been in the NBA."
Howard, 32, averaged 16.6 points and 12.5 rebounds in 30.4 minutes per game last season.