Dwight Howard Trade: Did The Nets Make The Best Offer?

Dwight Howard is officially a Los Angeles Laker and after months of trade rumors, the Dwightmare is over. The Nets were as heavily involved in the saga as any team not named the Orlando Magic and while they may not have ended up with Howard in the end, it wasn't for a lack of effort.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, the Nets final offer was as follows:

Final Nets offer Orlando rejected in July: Lopez, Humphries (1 year, $9.6M), Brooks, 4 unprotected No. 1's for Howard, JRich, Duhon, Clark.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) August 10, 2012

Based on what Orlando received in the four-team trade, it's hard to argue the Nets didn't have the best offer. Orlando unloaded the same four players they would have in the deal with the Nets, but also had to take on Al Harrington's salary. Instead of Brook Lopez, Kris Humphries and MarShon Brooks, they receive Arron Afflalo, Moe Harkless and Nikola Vucevic.

Maybe the biggest key to the deal was the first round picks. The Nets offered four, all unprotected, but the Magic ended up with three protected first round picks instead.

The Nets will now move on without Howard and only time will tell if the Magic made the right move.

For more on the Nets, please be sure to check out Nets Daily

Dwight Howard Trade Finally Puts An End To Brooklyn Nets 'Dwightmare'

Dwight Howard Trade: Center Joins Lakers As Part Of 4-Team Trade

The Dwight Howard saga has finally come to an end following a four-team trade reported Thursday that will send the center to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Brooklyn Nets were once considered Howard's top suitor and were on the brink of a deal several times this offseason before negotiations fell through.The trade is expected to be formally announced Friday.

The deal also sends Andrew Bynum and Jason Richardson to the Philadelphia 76ers, and Andre Iguodala to the Denver Nuggets. The Orlando Magic receiver Moe Harkless and Nikola Vucevic from the Sixers, Al Harrington and Arron Afflalo from the Nuggets, and a protected first round pick from each of the three other teams involved in the trade.

Nets fans have reason to be a bit disappointed, but a happy Brook Lopez isn't a bad consolation prize and it's impossible to say that the front office didn't do everything in could. At least fans around the NBA can finally be rid of the drama that has dominated the sports news cycle for two years.

Of course, if Howard chooses not to sign a long-term contract with the Lakers the Dwightmare could start all over again next summer.

For more on the Nets, please be sure to check out Nets Daily

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Magic, Lakers, 76ers, Nuggets Working On Major Deal

The possibility of Dwight Howard joining the Nets in Brooklyn is becoming slimmer with the latest reports of Howard trade rumors. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reported on Thursday that a four-team deal was being discussed between the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers.

In this deal, Howard would go to the Lakers along with Nuggets forward Al Harrington. The Magic would get Pau Gasol, Arron Afflalo and draft picks. The 76ers would receive Andrew Bynum, while the Nuggets would get Andre Iguodala.

Brooklyn, obviously not being apart of the deal, would get the closing chapter to the Dwight Howard back-and-forth that lasted most of the summer.

Dwight Howard Rumors: Trade Demand Stands Following Meeting With Magic

Top brass from the Orlando Magic sat down with disgruntled center Dwight Howard on Wednesday. The purpose of the meeting was to try and rekindle an old flame, convincing him to stick around in Orlando after continued trade attempts fizzled out.

Howard was having none of it. He maintained his stance, that he wants to be traded, in the meeting with general manager Rob Hennigan and assistant GM Scott Perry. According to Chris Mannix at SI.com, Howard also expressed his frustration at not being dealt despite what he perceived as reasonable offers from the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers.

Earlier in the offseason, Howard said that Brooklyn was the only team that he would sign an extension with. Sources report that he might consider an extension with the Lakers should he land there. If the situation is not resolved, Dallas has been pointed to as a potential landing spot when he hits free agency next year.

As for the Magic, they could opt for patience in the Dwight saga. Reports this week suggested that Orlando might even wait until the trade deadline to deal the center. That would reopen the possibility of sending him to Brooklyn in a deal to include Brook Lopez.

For more on the Nets, please be sure to check out our blog Nets Daily and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates from around the league.

Dwight Howard Rumors: Dwightmare Will Apparently Continue

Well, Brooklyn Nets fans you can apparently get ready to keep hearing speculation about Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard eventually winding up suiting up for the Nets. After a summer of trying, the Orlando Magic are now reportedly telling teams they may not trade the unhappy center at all.

ESPN's Chris Broussard reported the Magic, who have seemed unwilling or unable to pull the trigger on a Howard trade despite having been offered a multitude of deals -- many including several first-round draft picks -- may now wait until the February trade deadline to once again find a package for Howard they are willing to take. The Magic have rejected offers from Brooklyn, the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers.

That means the Magic will wait for players like Brook Lopez and other free agents who have signed this summer to become trade-eligible once again. That will increase the pool of players who might be available to Orlando. It will, however, drag the Dwightmare out for several more months and increase just about everyone's blood pressure.

Sheridan Hoops, in fact, is predicting that the entire 'Dwightmare' will run right into next summer.

Our source said new GM Rob Hennigan has decided that getting the best deal is the priority. That includes the possibility of bringing back Howard for a second season-long distraction, this time without the illusory hope of keeping him and further alienating their already dismayed fan base.

This is without doubt aggravating. It remains mystifying why Orlando management can't see that it needs to get a Howard deal done and begin rebuilding its franchise, rather than appearing unable to make a decision and paralyzed by Howard's own indecisveness.

The situation, though, is good news for Nets fans. It means the dream of teaming Howard with Deron Williams and Joe Johnson is alive. For now. Until Howard, or Magic management, or somebody actually proves able to make a decision.

Dwight Howard Aftermath, Winners And Losers: What They're Saying

A look around the Internet at some of the reaction to the Brooklyn Nets missing out -- for now -- on acquiring Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard

Brook Lopez Signing: Brooklyn Reportedly Agrees To 4-Year, $61-Million Max Deal With Lopez

The Brooklyn Nets have apparently given up on the Dwight Howard trade for the summer as they have reportedly re-signed center Brook Lopez to a max deal of four years and $61 million (via Adrian Wojnarowski). A fifth-year option is not reportedly part of the deal (via Sam Amick). Lopez is expected to sign the deal on Wednesday night. Once Lopez signs with the Nets, he won't be trade eligible until Jan. 15, 2013.

Lopez only played five games last season and averaged 19.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.8 blocks per game in 27.2 minutes per game. For his four-year career with the Nets, Lopez averages 17.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.6 blocks per game.

For more on the Nets, please be sure to check out our blog Nets Daily and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates from around the league.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors 2012: Nets Ruled Out Barring 'Something Crazy,' Magic Suspending Discussions

The Orlando Magic have told Dwight Howard they have decided to suspend discussions focused on trading the All-Star center in order to spend more time on their head coaching search, according to a report from Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld.

This latest update should especially impact the Brooklyn Nets, who would have needed to acquire Howard soon because of Brook Lopez' uncertain status as a restricted free agent.

Brian K. Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel reports that barring unforeseen circumstances, the Nets have already been ruled out of the Howard sweepstakes.

For their part, ESPN reports that the Nets say they have "moved on."

"We've moved on. It just got to a point where we couldn't keep going back and forth with Orlando. They had about 14 days to do something and didn't. We just had to move on, and we felt that way this morning," a Nets source told ESPNNewYork.com's Ian O'Connor.

If true, that should lead to the Nets giving up on their pursuit of Howard and deciding to sign Lopez to a long-term deal. The Nets have spent the last several months trying to build a package strong enough to convince the Magic to give them Howard, but the Magic have apparently decided to wait on other options.

For more on the Nets, please be sure to check out our blog Nets Daily and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates from around the league.

Brook Lopez Reportedly Gets Offer From Brooklyn Nets

It seems like now or never for the Brooklyn Nets and Orlando Magic to consummate a long-bandied about trade to send superstar center Dwight Howard from Orlando to Brooklyn. Multiple sources are reporting that the Nets have offered center Brook Lopez, an essential part of a trade with the Magic, a four-year, $58-million max contract.

The New York Daily News explains the situation as it now stands:

If Lopez re-signs with the Nets and doesn't agree to a sign and trade, it would kill any deal for Howard until at least Dec. 15 (when players can be traded after signing contracts in the offseason), or maybe forever (if Howard is dealt elsewhere).

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors 2012: Brook Lopez Could Sign Offer Sheet, Kill Brooklyn Nets' Howard Hopes

Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez is considering whether to sign an offer sheet with an unnamed rival team and has the power to kill any potential Dwight Howard trade to the Nets, according to the New York Times.

Howard Beck reports that Lopez has an offer sheet on the table, and is pondering whether to sign it. If he signs an offer sheet with another team Lopez will no longer be able to be traded, which would kill Brooklyn's hopes of landing Howard -- or at least postpone them until Dec. 15, the day when new signees can be dealt.

It's believed that his offer sheet must be from the Charlotte Bobcats, Portland Trail Blazers or Dallas Mavericks, who all have cap space to pursue the Nets' restricted free agent.

Looking to keep Lopez from squashing a potential Howard deal, the Nets have already guaranteed him that they will offer him four years at a max level, Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Wednesday. The Nets are the only team that can offer Lopez a five-year deal for the max.

For more on the Nets, please be sure to check out our blog Nets Daily and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates from around the league.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors 2012: Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic Re-Engage In Discussions, According To Report

Dwight Howard trade discussions between the Orlando Magic and the Brooklyn Nets were mostly on hold Tuesday. But the two teams have reportedly re-engaged Wednesday.

Adrian Wojnarowski reports that after handling most of its talks with the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, the Magic have again turned their focus toward Brooklyn.

Multiple reports have stated that the Nets have imposed a deadline on talks with the Magic. If the Magic do not agree to send Howard to Brooklyn by the end of Wednesday, as first reported by ESPN's Ric Bucher, the Nets are prepared to walk away from trade discussions.

If they can't land Howard now, they seem to be ready to move on without being stuck in limbo.

For more on the Nets, please be sure to check out our blog Nets Daily and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates from around the league.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors 2012: Nets Will Either Land Howard Or Move On Wednesday

Apparently Wednesday will be the day of reckoning in the Dwight Howard saga for the Brooklyn Nets.

According to ESPN's Ric Bucher, the Nets are prepared to move on if they cannot make a trade for the Orlando Magic superstar center by the end of Wednesday. Bucher wrote that the Nets hope to have a resolution by 6 p.m. ET.

The Nets, of course, have been pursuing Howard since last season in hopes of teaming him with Deron Williams as the team moves from New Jersey to Brooklyn.

Here is part of Bucher's report on ESPN:

The Nets are convinced the chance of making a deal for Howard will be undermined as teams sign free agents and eliminate their flexibility to be trade partners in providing the draft picks, salary-cap room and young talent the Magic are seeking for their disgruntled All-Star center.

There are rising fears within the Nets, sources told ESPN.com's Marc Stein, that the Portland Trail Blazers will come after [Brook] Lopez -- a restricted free agent -- as their next frontcourt target after a bid to sign fellow restricted free agent Roy Hibbert away from Indiana has been foiled by the Pacers, who have matched the four-year offer to Hibbert worth nearly $60 million that Portland had intended to offer but ultimately decided against.

For more on the Nets, please be sure to check out our blog Nets Daily and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates from around the league.

Brooklyn Nets 'Cautiously Optimistic' About Dwight Howard Trade

Dwight Howard will end Tuesday the same way he began the day -- as a member of the Orlando Magic. When it comes to this summer's version of the 'Dwightmare' that hardly means nothing happened.

The Cleveland Cavaliers bailed on trade talks, and other NBA teams -- most notably the Los Angeles Lakers -- are apparently back in the picture.

Through it all, Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated reports that the Brooklyn Nets -- the only team Howard says he will sign a long-term contract with -- remain "cautiously optimistic" that they will be able to bring the superstar center to Brooklyn, teaming with Deron Williams and Joe Johnson.

Amick writes:

While the Magic continue talks with several teams about the three-time Defensive Player of the Year, sources say the Nets remain cautiously optimistic that they will be able to acquire Howard in a two-team scenario. By offering as many as five first-round draft picks in a potential package, Brooklyn -- which already has Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Gerald Wallace in the fold -- is hopeful that it can land Howard by knowing what interests new Magic general manager Rob Hennigan above all else.

The former Oklahoma City executive is looking to build through the draft in much the same way that the Thunder did during his time there and has been prioritizing picks in this process.

In the meantime the Nets are negotiating a contract extension with Brook Lopez as a backup plan.

So, nothing really changed but plenty certainly happened. Tune in again Wednesday for a new edition of the 'Dwightmare.'

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors 2012: Brook Lopez, Brooklyn Nets Close On Contract Extension, According To Report

Brook Lopez and the Brooklyn Nets have been negotiating a contract extension and could agree on one at some point within the next 48 hours, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.

If Lopez' extension is not part of a sign-and-trade sending him to the Orlando Magic, it will almost definitely keep the Nets out of the Dwight Howard sweepstakes until at least the middle of December.

If the 24-year-old Lopez signs an extension with the Nets, he will not be available to be traded until Dec. 15 per rules stated in the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement. Lopez is a key component of the package Brooklyn is hoping to use to lure Howard from the Magic.

Brooklyn has been looking to spin a deal for Howard, but talks with Orlando hit a snag on Tuesday when a potential trading partner to facilitate the deal, the Cleveland Cavaliers, reportedly dropped out.

For more on the Nets, please be sure to visit our blog Nets Daily for all the latest news and updates along with SB Nation New York.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors 2012: Cavaliers Complicate Deal By Dropping Out -- Report

Dwight Howard trade talks between the Brooklyn Nets and Orlando Magic hit a snag on Tuesday, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.

Wojnarowski reports that the Cleveland Cavaliers have dropped out as a potential trading partner to help facilitate a deal sending Howard to Brooklyn, and that the Magic and Nets might need to make a two-team trade if they wish to reach a deal in the near-term. That could spell trouble for the Nets, whose offer for Howard is expected to need at least one more team as a facilitator.

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Charlotte Bobcats have also been rumored as potential candidates to become third-parties used to help the deal, but it's unclear whether either of those teams still have interest.

ESPN's Marc Stein reported earlier Tuesday that NBA general managers are becoming hesitant about helping Howard land in Brooklyn because they don't want to help the Nets become a "super team."

For more on the Nets, please be sure to visit our blog Nets Daily for all the latest news and updates along with SB Nation New York.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: NBA GMs Reportedly Hesitant To Help Brooklyn Nets Form 'Super Team'

The Brooklyn Nets and Orlando Magic have held plenty of discussions about a possible Dwight Howard trade. One potential stumbling block to a deal has nothing to do with those two teams.

Because the Magic have no interest in Kris Humphries, a third and/or fourth team will be needed to facilitate the trade. While the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers and Charlotte Bobcats have all been mentioned as possible facilitators, ESPN's Marc Stein reports that there's a growing hesitance among NBA general managers to help opponents, including the Nets, form "super teams."

Multiple league executives told ESPN.com on Sunday that there is growing reluctance among some teams to participate in the sort of three-team deal that would get Howard to Brooklyn, amid some leaguewide dissatisfaction that the Los Angeles Lakers were able to swing a deal for Steve Nash last week.

Being the cog in creating another super team in Brooklyn, with Deron Williams and Joe Johnson already in the mix, is not palatable to some teams concerned about competitive balance.

"You can talk about the new (luxury) tax all you want, but if the Lakers get Nash and the Nets get Howard, then what did the new CBA accomplish?" one GM said. "You have to realize part of long-term planning is making sure you don't help create teams you can't beat."

This might not be a major obstacle, since it won't require a majority vote for the Nets to acquire Howard. They only need to find one or two teams willing to help them.

For more on the Nets, please be sure to visit our blog Nets Daily for all the latest news and updates along with SB Nation New York. Still not enough basketball news for you? Make sure to check out the SB Nation NBA Hub Page for all the latest news from all 30 NBA teams as the offseason and free agency continues.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors, Tuesday Morning News Roundup

Dwight Howard is still not a member of the Brooklyn Nets as of Tuesday morning. The rumors keep swirling around the Orlando Magic center, and the expectations keep building, as the Nets and Magic try to work out an incredibly complicated, extremely fragile trade that multiple reports indicate could involve four teams and a double-digit number of players.

Let's take a look around the Inter-Google and see who is saying what about the potential blockbuster trade that could change the NBA landscape.

Dwight Howard’s Interest In Nets Signals New Era - NYTimes.com
Eleven days ago, Dwight Howard sat across from the Orlando Magic’s top basketball executive and demanded a trade to the Nets.

At that moment, the N.B.A. landscape forever changed. The Nets were no longer a punch line, but a destination, their sad-sack existence in the New Jersey swamp no longer a burden, but a quaint chapter for the history books.

The Nets are bound for Brooklyn and a newfound respectability. Deron Williams, one of the league’s top point guards, elected to stay, planting his flag at the corner of Atlantic and Flatbush Avenues. Joe Johnson, a six-time All-Star, is on his way.

Dwight Howard, the best center of his generation, might be next.

Dwight Howard trade still not completed as Brooklyn Nets search for ways to make it work - NY Daily News
A Nets source cautioned that the team was "not close" to making a deal with the Magic amid several reports that the teams were moving toward a blockbuster trade now involving four clubs.

Williams not caught up in Howard trade talk - Yahoo! Sports
''There's been a lot of rumors over the last year as far as he's concerned, so early on I concerned myself with it, but lately just let it play out and whatever happens, happens,'' Williams said Monday at training camp for the latest Olympic team. ''I think we'll have a good team without him, I think we'd have an even better team with him.''

Progress is slow in blockbuster trade talks involving Cavs - Top Stories - Ohio
One source with knowledge of the negotiations said the deal was far from being completed and plenty of stumbling blocks on the Cavs’ end remain.

The biggest of which is Humphries, who is the hinge to the entire deal.

The Nets need to find a place to park his salary to make the trade work. With more than $20 million in cap space, the Cavs are a logical fit. They were heavily involved with trade talks between the Nets and Magic regarding Howard around the trade deadline last season, but the negotiations crumbled when Howard waived his Early Termination Option and agreed to remain in Orlando through this coming season.

Hawks watch closely as Nets, Magic discuss trade for Howard | ajc.com

Charlotte Bobcats might get Kris Humphries in complex deal | CharlotteObserver.com & The Charlotte Observer Newspaper

What will Dwight Howard legacy be in Orlando? - Orlando Sentinel

CANOE -- SLAM! Sports - Basketball - NBA: Magic lose big if Howard-to-Nets trade goes through

Dwight Howard trade: The Orlando Magic could be close to trading Dwight Howard to the Brooklyn Nets - Orlando Sentinel

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Clippers Emerge As 4th Team In Possible Trade, According To Report

The Dwight Howard blockbuster keeps growing and growing, as Chad Ford of ESPN is reporting that the Los Angeles Clippers have emerged as a fourth team in a deal that would send the superstar forward to Brooklyn from Orlando.

Ford reports that the Clippers would take MarShon Brooks in return for a lottery protected first round pick, which would then be forwarded by the Nets to the Orlando Magic. Earlier reports had the other parts of the deal involving 10 players and three first-round picks

Nothing is official as of yet, but this monstrous deal appears to be gaining more and more steam as the hours pass.

For more on the Nets, please be sure to visit our blog Nets Daily for all the latest news and updates along with SB Nation New York. Still not enough basketball news for you? Make sure to check out the SB Nation NBA Hub Page for all the latest news from all 30 NBA teams as the offseason and free agency continues.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Yahoo! Sports Offers Proposed Details

More and more information about the potential Dwight Howard to the Brooklyn Nets trade is trickling. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports has the latest, revealing that the deal in its current form could contain more than 10 players and possibly involve four teams.

Wojnarowski's explanation of where things stand:

In the proposed deal, Howard, Jason Richardson and Earl Clark would be sent to Brooklyn, and the Magic would receive the Nets' Brook Lopez, Damion James, Sheldon Williams, Cleveland's Luke Walton and three future first-round picks, sources said. Cleveland would receive Orlando's Quentin Richardson, Brooklyn's Sundiata Gaines, Kris Humphries (on a one-year guaranteed deal), a first-round pick and $3 million from the Nets. Brooklyn also would send Brooks to a fourth team to get them an additional first-round pick to send to the Magic.

Talks between the Magic and Nets remain fluid with some of the deal's parts moving in and out based on different scenarios. One proposed hangup to a trade: Humphries would be against taking a one-year contract with the Cavs, instead seeking a four-year deal, a league source told Y! Sports' Marc Spears.

There had been reports over the weekend that the Magic would be willing to wait until the middle of the 2012-13 NBA season, when they might find a more palatable offer, to trade Howard. Wojnarowski indicates that is not the case, however, writing that "the Magic want to find the best possible deal for Howard soon and cut ties with him."

There will, undoubtedly, be more twists and turns along the way. It seems more and more likely at this point, however, that -- sooner or later -- the Nets will find a way to team Howard with Deron Williams and Joe Johnson. That, you have to admit, would be one heckuva troika of players to move to the brand-new Barclays Center with.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Deal To Brooklyn Nets Unlikely Monday

Brooklyn Nets fans, you can stop checking Twitter or refreshing your search for Dwight Howard trade rumors every five minutes or so. At least for today. According to reports like the one below from Alan Hahn a deal sending the Orlando Magic superstar to the Nets is not likely to happen. Today, anway.

RT @MagicInsider: #orlandmagic don't expect a deal involving Dwight Howard today. No hurry whatsoever.

— Alan Hahn (@alanhahn) July 9, 2012

The key to any deal apparently remains getting forward Kris Humphries to accept a sign-and-trade to Cleveland, something that would apparently require Cleveland being willing to not only take Humphries, but sign him to a long-term deal.

This deal could still happen, but it is complicated and could involve as many as 11 players shuttling between three teams.

So, the Dwight Howard saga again has Nets fans on pins and needles. My only advice to them is, find a way to get comfortable because this ride is a long way from being over.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors 2012: Howard Deal Getting Help From Cleveland

With this Dwight Howard story, you never can tell what's about to happen. However, it seems the story might be closer to reaching a conclusion that Brooklyn Nets fans would be very happy about.

Per Ken Berger at CBSSports.com, the Nets and Orlando Magic have "made progress" on a deal for the superstar center. The Cleveland Cavaliers would be the third party, taking power forward Kris Humphries from the Nets.

The Cavs would take Humphries in a sign-and-trade deal, but they would also want MarShon Brooks and perhaps some draft picks for helping Brooklyn's cause.

Berger wrote that there is "significant work left to be done" before a trade is completed. One potential fly in the ointment is Humphries having to agree to a deal sending him to the Cavaliers.

Despite the obstacles Berger wrote that Brooklyn is now the "most likely landing spot for Howard in a trade."Howard, of course, has been insistent that the Nets are the only team with whom he is willing to sign a long-term deal.

For more on the Nets, please be sure to check out our blog Nets Daily and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors 2012: Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic Likely To Table Discussions Until December If No Deal Reached This Week

The Brooklyn Nets and Orlando Magic have continued talks about a possible Dwight Howard trade, but might have a self-imposed deadline of sorts arriving shortly.

Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated reports that if the Nets and Magic don't reach a deal within the next week, the two teams are likely to table discussions until after Dec. 15. That date is a significant one because it marks the day free agents who are signed this summer can be included in deals, which would lead to a wider possibility of proposals.

The Nets are likely to offer a package of multiple first-round picks, Brook Lopez, Kris Humphries and MarShon Brooks for Howard. A third team would likely need to be included in the deal because the Magic are reported to have little interest in Humphries.

The Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks and Dallas Mavericks are all expected to compete with Brooklyn for Howard's services.

For more on the Nets, please be sure to visit our blog Nets Daily for all the latest news and updates.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Nets Pursuing Ersan Ilyasova As A Backup Plan

The Brooklyn Nets are having a busy summer. On top of the moving trucks, the team has been wheeling and dealing in free agency in attempts to have a team ready to run when the curtain goes up in the fall. The Nets are still trying to work a trade for Orlando Magic forward Dwight Howard. At the same time, they are pursuing a backup plan in the form of Ersan Ilyasova, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.

Woj explains:

Short of a deal for Howard, the Nets are searching for a third team to take their own free agent, Kris Humphries, as part of a sign-and-trade scenario with the Bucks. The third team would potentially be rewarded with future draft picks from the Nets for taking on Humphries. Milwaukee could end up with a trade exception for future use.

Milwaukee is so far reticent to deal, and Woj classifies the talks as nothing "serious" at the moment.

For more on the Nets, please be sure to visit our blog Nets Daily for all the latest news and updates.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Nets, Mirza Teletovic Rearranging Contract To Protect Howard Trade Chances

The Brooklyn Nets have not quite given up on a potential trade for Dwight Howard. The Nets have been working hard to rearrange the contract of new signing Mirza Teletovic to ensure that they can still make a play for Howard or pay Brook Lopez and Kris Humphries to stay around if no Howard deal is possible (via SB Nation).

The Nets are trying to use their smaller mid-level exception (close to $3 million for three years) rather than the full mid-level exception which Teletovic was originally signed to. If the Nets and Teletovic can agree to rearrange his contract, Brooklyn will be able to surpass their $74.3 million in payroll. Being able to exceed that salary will allow the Nets to put together a package for Howard that won't be hampered by sign-and-trade scenarios. Previous reports stated that Humphries would be a likely player involved in a sign-and-trade for Howard.

For more on the Nets, please be sure to visit our blog Nets Daily for all the latest news and updates.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors 2012: Los Angeles Lakers Emerging As Orlando Magic Favorite, According To Report

The Orlando Magic have focused on the Los Angeles Lakers as their favorite potential trade partner in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes, according to a report from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports on Tuesday.

Wojnarowski reports that the Magic are intrigued by the prospect of adding Andrew Bynum in a deal for Howard, but would also want the Lakers to include draft picks and absorb at least one of Orlando's long-term contracts.

The Brooklyn Nets acquired Joe Johnson from the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, but are still looking to trade for Howard using a package highlighted by Brook Lopez and Kris Humphries.

The Magic are reportedly lukewarm on New Jersey's package, but Brooklyn remains Howard's top destination and other teams could hesitate to trade for him if he's unwilling to sign a contract extension.

For more on the Nets, please be sure to check out our blog Nets Daily and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: 3-Team Deal Involving Kris Humphries Key To Nets-Magic Deal, Says Sources

For now, the New Jersey Nets and Orlando Magic have resumed talks about trying to put together a blockbuster trade for center Dwight Howard. A deal, however, is far from being completed as many kinks need to be worked out, including this doozy involving a mid-level Nets' player:

According to Yahoo! Sports'Adrian Wojnarowski, a league source says the key to the Nets acquiring Howard is the contract of forward Kris Humphries, who's now become one of the key pieces in a possible bluckbuster deal. For talks to continue, says Wojnarowski, a third team will need to get into the mix and be willing to sign-and-trade him.

In December, Humphries resigned with the Nets and is currently making between $7-8 million. Whether a team besides Brooklyn is willing to pay Humphries that much cash will be interesting.

For more on the Nets, please be sure to check out our blog Nets Daily and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Nets, Magic Discussing Blockbuster Trade

Just hours after agreeing to a trade for Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson and being counted out of the Dwight Howard sweepstakes and while waiting to hear if point guard Deron Williams will stay with the team, the Brooklyn Nets and Orlando Magic are discussing a deal for the All Star center.

In the proposed swap, the Nets would send Brook Lopez, Kris Humphries, MarShon Brooks and their first round picks in 2013, 2015 and 2017 to Orlando in return for Howard and the bloated contract of Hedo Turkoglu, according to ESPN's Chris Broussard.

Before the Johnson deal, the Nets could absorb both deals without matching contracts, but would now use the re-signed Lopez and Humphries (they can go over the cap to sign their own players) to make the trade work.

The reason the Nets can only offer first round picks every other season is because the league does not allow for a team to ship off picks for back-to-back drafts.

Pairing Howard with Williams and Johnson would immediate catapult Brooklyn to the top of the Eastern Conference along with the Miami Heat.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors 2012: Nets Reportedly Still 'In The Hunt' For Howard

Despite earlier reports that Dwight Howard "blew it in March" when he waived his opt-out clause with the Orlando Magic and that the Brooklyn Nets were no longer pursuing a trade for the superstar center, at least one NBA insider thinks a deal could still happen this summer.

Chris Sheridan reported Monday evening that the Nets "remain very much in the hunt" for Howard.Wrote Sheridan:

The goal is to have a Big Three of Deron Williams, Dwight Howard and Johnson, and it remains doable if the Magic are willing to play ball, a league source tells SheridanHoops.com.

Orlando would have to accept a package of Brook Lopez, Kris Humphries, Gerald Wallace, MarShon Brooks and multiple future first-round draft picks, and the Howard deal would take the form of a massive sign-and-trade.

Howard, of course, has been insistent that the Nets are the only team with whom he will sign a long-term contract. Since Howard waived his opt out, however, the Magic will have to "play ball" to make it happen. Unless suitors like the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks back out of the Howard sweepstakes, Orlando certainly does not have to cave to Howard's wishes.

If the Magic do, however, pairing Howard, Williams and Johnson would be a dream scenario for the Nets as they move into the new Barclays Center and start a new chapter of their franchise history in Brooklyn.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Brooklyn Nets Moving On After Magic Refuse To Talk, According To Report

The Brooklyn Nets were the "one team" on Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard's list he said he would sign a long-term contract with.

However, it appears that will have to wait until Howard is a free agent following the 2012-13 season. The Nets have reportedly decided to move on from trying to acquire Howard. In fact, a source says that Howard "blew it in March" when he waived his opt-out clause last March (via Chris Broussard's Twitter). The Nets did want to talk with the Magic about trading for Howard, but Orlando did not want to talk to the Nets (via Broussard's Twitter).

Deron Williams is reportedly meeting with the Nets on Monday evening as the team tries to make its pitch to get him to re-sign. Brooklyn reportedly acquired Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson on Monday in a trade.

For more on the Nets, please be sure to check out our blog Nets Daily and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Nets Free Agency 2012: Dwight Howard Has Only One Team On List

Dwight Howard changes his answers more than a magic 8-ball. For now, Howard says he only has one team on his list of preferred destinations; the Brooklyn Nets.

In an interview with Yahoo, Howard laid out his future plans, saying '"there's only one team" he will sign with long-term.

"There’s only one team on my list and if I don’t get traded there, I'll play the season out and explore my free agency after that," Howard said.

Orlando GM Rob Hennigan tweeted today that the team in question is indeed the Brooklyn Nets.

Rob Hennigan: During our conversation, Dwight did mention his preference is to be traded and that Brooklyn is where he'd like to go.

— Orlando Magic (@Orlando_Magic) July 2, 2012

All of this could really help the Nets keep Deron Williams in town long-term. After signing Gerald Wallace on Sunday, Brooklyn might have a future if it can retain its free agent point guard and somehow acquire Howard.

The tricky part is whether or not Brooklyn has the pieces to get a deal done. Orlando might balk at any offer that isn't substantial and trade Howard to a team that's willing to take a rental, like the Houston Rockets or Golden State Warriors.

Of course, Howard says he'll be a Net one way or the other. This is good news for Brooklyn and perhaps the tipping point for Williams to re-sign.

For more on the Nets, please be sure to check out our blog Nets Daily and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors 2012: Nets, Lakers Rockets Discussed Howard Trade With Magic

The Orlando Magic have taken calls regarding a trade involving their center Dwight Howard. The Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets are all teams that were named as having had contact with Orlando (via Yahoo! Sports).

For Howard to end up on the Lakers, they would reportedly have to part with center Andrew Bynum. The Rockets would give up young players to satisfy Orlando's desire to rebuild with youth. Which players Houston would trade for Howard were not listed in the report.

As for the Nets, they are in good position by the sole fact that Howard wants to make the move to Brooklyn. However, the Nets to make a move soon in order to sway free agent point guard Deron Williams to stay in town rather than sign with the Dallas Mavericks. As a backup plan, the Nets have also reached out to other teams such as the Hawks, Grizzlies and Rockets about acquiring talent to surround Williams with.

For more on the Nets, please be sure to check out our blog Nets Daily and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Brooklyn Nets Should Wait For Dwight Howard (Again)

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Report -- Magic 'Seriously Considering' Offers

Could it be that the Orlando Magic have finally decided that they have to part ways with superstar center Dwight Howard? Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reported overnight that the Magic have begun "seriously considering" offers for Howard. [via HOOPSWORLD]

Wojnarowski wrote that "The Magic reached out to teams Saturday and told them that they'll discuss proposals about moving Howard."

The Nets, of course, have targeted Howard for months now as they prepare to move into the Barclays Center and begin their first season in Brooklyn.

The Nets have been busy this weekend. Brooklyn has been rumored to have been involved in trade talks for several high-profile players, including Joe Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks and Luis Scola of the Houston Rockets. Star free agent point guard Deron Williams is also reportedly going to meet with both the Nets and Dallas Mavericks on Monday, and there have been reports that Jason Kidd will play wherever Williams plays.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors 2012: Howard Reportedly Asks For Trade To Nets

After months of speculation and uncertainty regarding All-Star center Dwight Howard, new Magic GM Rob Hennigan recently spoke with Orlando's top player to discuss his future with the organization. According to a report by ESPN's Chris Broussard, Howard expressed interest in playing for the Brooklyn Nets and wants to be traded to the team.

Dwight Howard met with new Orlando Magic GM Rob Hennigan Friday, telling him he wants to be traded to the Brooklyn Nets, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.

Hennigan was noncommital when Howard told him he wants to be traded to Brooklyn, sources said.

Howard opted-in for another year with the Magic in March 2012 but has remained upset about his situation. Broussard added that Howard told others "he feels the Magic blackmailed him into signing the 'opt-in' clause."

It remains to be seen whether the Nets would be able to swing a deal for Howard, or whether the Magic would be willing to make such a deal. Brooklyn would likely include restricted free agent Brook Lopez in any trade involving the Orlando Magic center, along with other pieces and future draft picks.

For more on the Nets, please be sure to visit Nets Daily.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors 2012: Rockets Have No Chance At Center, According To Source

The rumor mill surrounding Orland Magic center Dwight Howard continues to swirl, and the latest "news" from NBA.com's David Aldridge is one Brooklyn Nets fans would like.

According to Aldridge, a source close to the knowledge of Howard's thinking (which says a lot) said there's "not a chance" of the 7-footer approving to be traded to the Rockets. On Monday, ESPN.com reported Houston is trying to move up in the 2012 NBA Draft and use those hypothetical acquired picks to trade for the All-Star center.

Despite not being on the list of teams that Howard is interested in, the Rockets are still willing to make a big play for him:

They’ve offered several different packages to different teams currently in the top 10. League sources said Monday that the Rockets have put guard Kevin Martin in at least two trade packages, and it’s believed that the Rockets are also shopping guard Kyle Lowry, who started at point guard before being sidelined with a bacterial infection that caused him to miss almost a month of the season.

Aldridge also stated the Nets and Dallas Mavericks are the two "ardent suitors" in the Dwight Howard Sweepstakes.

For more on the Nets, please be sure to check out our blog Nets Daily and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors 2012: Rockets Could Be Nets' Competition

The Brooklyn Nets want Dwight Howard, and Mr. Howard would certainly love to help open up the Barclays Center come the 2012-13 NBA Season. Unfortunately for both parties, Howard isn't a free agent and the Orlando Magic can send him wherever they like.

Enter the Houston Rockets, who according to ESPN.com are aggressively trying to trade up in the NBA Draft to put together a package for Howard. The deal would consist of two top-10 picks in Thursday's draft along with other unknown pieces.

It's a dangerous gamble by Houston, which doesn't have Howard saying he would sign off on a long-term extension there. However, that could be a move which would get some free agents in the building; perhaps, then, Howard would be enticed to stay a bit longer.

The Nets desperately need someone to come in and help give the team direction for the first time since Jason Kidd did almost a decade ago. Deron Williams can walk away this summer via free agency and beyond him the roster is full of a group of unknowns.

It might be time for Brooklyn to get very creative.

For more on the Nets, please be sure to check out our blog Nets Daily and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors 2012: Now He Wants To Stay In Orlando?

This week Dwight Howard apparently loves Orlando and wants to stay with the Orlando Magic.

That word comes from an Orlando TV station via the Dallas News.

The report said the Magic center is “bothered by the hit his image has taken since this season’s trade rumors and problems with Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy.”

Howard, of course, has been a target of the now-Brooklyn Nets since the beginning of last season. The Nets would like to pair him with point guard Deron Williams as part of a superstar tandem as they open their tenure at thre Barclays Center.

Analysis

I don’t know what to make of Howard. He could not make up his mind during the season what he wanted. Then he gave up his right to opt out of his contract this offseason and become a free agent. Then came the Van Gundy controversy, followed by word that Howard regretted waiving the opt out and did want a trade.

Now this. All I can conclude is that Howard is a very large diva who simply can’t make up his mind what he wants.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors 2012: Howard Wants To Be Traded To The Nets

The Brooklyn Nets lost their 2012 first round pick to the Portland Trail Blazers as a result of a mid-season trade for Gerald Wallace. The pick was top three-protected, meaning, if the Draft Lottery resulted in the Nets pick being in the top three, they would have retained the pick. But since the pick remained in the sixth spot, the Blazers own the pick.

Losing the pick is a detriment to the Nets' future, but not as detrimental as the consequences they would face if they were unable to complete a trade for Dwight Howard this off-season – according to a report, Deron Williams would leave Brooklyn.

Fortunately, Dwight Howard wants to be traded to the Nets, according to ESPN's Chris Broussard.

"Right now, Dwight Howard is saying he wants to be traded to [the Nets]. Right now he's saying that."

For more on the Nets, please be sure to visit our blog Nets Daily and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors 2012: Howard Still Seeking Trade From Orlando Magic, According To Report

The Orlando Magic cleaned house in management in an attempt to please Dwight Howard. But Howard still wants a trade, according to a report from SheridanHoops.com.