Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: MarShon Brooks Is Another Asset for New Jersey Nets

While the New Jersey Nets sit and wait for the Orlando Magic to make their move in trading Dwight Howard, MarShon Brooks might be auditioning as a piece in such a deal.

Brook Lopez is progressing nicely in his recovery from a broken foot and will be back before the NBA trade deadline. Lopez's return before the deadline is vital to showing the Magic that he is fine after having surgery and that he's still the big man who averaged 20 points per game playing in Newark.

Brooks, on the other hand, has continued to show promise as a scorer in this league. Avery Johnson has been careful not to overexpose the rookie, and Brooks has certainly thrived.

He's averaging about 14 points per night off the bench in 23 minutes. In the nine games he's played, Brooks has scored in double digits six times, five of which were over 17 points.

There is no question the Nets would be willing to part ways with Brooks as well. It's all hands on deck to make sure that Howard and Deron Williams are both going to be in Brooklyn for the 2012-13 season. Brooks now gives the Nets another asset if and when Howard becomes available.

And last, but certainly not least, the Nets' position in the next NBA Draft. They are on pace for the lottery, even with the introduction of D12 to Newark in March. At 2-7, they are tied with several other teams for the second-fewest wins in the NBA, behind Washington's pitiful donut.

Unless the Los Angeles Lakers are willing to part ways with Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum for Howard, then the Nets are still the favorites to land the big guy. I understand what the Golden State Warriors can offer, but a big market is lacking in their deal for Howard to sign an extension. 

A package of Lopez, Brooks and possibly Humphries or Okur (for salary cap reasons), plus a lottery pick and numerous future first-round picks is still the best deal that could be on the table for Magic GM Otis Smith.

And that's certainly better than what he could end up with if he doesn't trade Howard.

Nothing.