The Dwight Howard era in Brooklyn may very well be over before it even had a chance to officially get started. 

Howard, who is reportedly is in the process of being traded to the Nets from the Charlotte Hornets, told ESPN's Chris Haynes that he has agreed with the Nets to negotiate a buyout for his $23.8 million expiring contract. A successful buyout will allow Howard to enter free agency later this summer.

"I want to be in a situation where I have an opportunity to help a team win," Howard told Haynes. "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."

It was reported on Wednesday that the Nets, who failed to make the playoffs for the third consecutive year, are acquiring Howard for centre Timofey Mozgov and two second-round draft picks. According to Haynes, the trade between the Nets and Hornets which won't become official until July 6, blindsided Howard.

"I was just really in total shock because I wasn't expecting it to happen," Howard 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."

A dominant player earlier in his career, the 32-year-old’s career accolades include eight All-NBA selections - five of which were for the first team - and three Defensive Player of The Year awards. He owns career numbers of 17.4 points per game and 12.7 rebounds.

Selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2004 draft by the Orlando Magic, Howard has also played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks.