NBA Trade Rumors: If Nets Don't Get Dwight Howard, They Must Gamble

The New Jersey Nets face a pair of very tough decisions coming up in the next few months.

The first involves Orlando center Dwight Howard.  Quite simply, the Nets must acquire him, no matter the cost.

Howard to the Nets still seems like a viable option, since New Jersey still seems to be Howard's preferred destination.

But Orlando Magic general manager Otis Smith won't budge on dealing Howard just to deal him, which will put the Nets in a very awkward position when the trading deadline nears.

That's the next problem the Nets face.

If they feel they can't come to a deal that will bring Howard to town, they have to gamble and trade point guard Deron Williams.  But the Nets have to get something for him.

They can't take the risk and think that both Williams and Howard will sign in New Jersey next season as free agents.  That scenario has very little chance to happen. 

Williams and Howard could end up playing together, but it won't be in New Jersey.

The truth of the matter is that without a Howard trade, dealing Williams is the only option the Nets have.

The Nets are awful this season with Williams in the lineup and no weapons around him.

How bad will they be if Williams walks and they get nothing in return?  It could get very ugly for Avery Johnson's team.

Without Howard and Williams in Nets uniforms, New Jersey is going to have to rebuild.  One way to get a leg up on that is by dealing Williams when the time comes.

It may be the only play they have left.