This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio, New York and Boston have shown recent interest in acquiring Jazz forward Josh Howard, Yahoo! Sports' Marc Spears reported Tuesday.
HoopsWorld's Alex Kennedy reported earlier Tuesday that Howard, in addition to Utah's C.J. Miles and Jamaal Tinsley, has been discussed as part of a three-team deal involving Minnesota and the Spurs.
A source close to Howard told The Salt Lake Tribune on Tuesday they were unaware of any trade involving the veteran small forward. Yahoo! reported the Jazz are reluctant to trade Howard, who has worked his way into Utah's starting lineup and is well-liked by his coaches and teammates.
Howard's been a free-agent steal for the Jazz, after signing a one-year deal with the team before the 2011-12 season. He recently told The Tribune he's open to signing an extension with Utah. But every strong game Howard plays for the Jazz — proving his return is legitimate, following two injury-plagued seaons — makes him more attractive to other teams looking to add a veteran asset for a playoff run.Brian T. SmithTwitter: @tribjazz