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.

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