NBA Rumors: Can Stephen Jackson Lure Dwight Howard to the Nets?

NBA rumors have a funny way of taking shape.

The latest in the Dwight Howard saga is an interesting one, as ESPN's Ric Bucher reported on SportsCenter:

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If they [Nets] want to improve their chances, my understanding is that Stephen Jackson & Dwight Howard have talked several times about playing together.  And would love to do so with the Nets with Deron Williams at the point guard setting them up.  If the Nets want to improve their chances of getting Dwight Howard, making a deal for Stephen Jackson as well should be on their menu.

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Talk about a name that completely came out of nowhere.

Jackson's is one of the last names we would have thought would end up in the middle of the Howard soap opera.

But can he be the guy to lure Howard to the Nets?

Possibly, but not very likely.

First of all, the Nets don't have very many assets to trade. Making two big deals is unlikely. They barely have enough to offer Orlando in an attempt to acquire Howard. Parting with anything of value for Jackson severely puts a hit on any chance of landing Howard, which is priority No. 1 for the Nets.

The only option, then, is likely trading for Jackson, hoping that the Magic don't trade Howard and then attempting to sign him as a free agent in the offseason.

But why would the Nets want to? They already have an up-and-coming good shooting guard in Marshon Brooks, who, quite frankly, is playing much better this season then Jackson.

Jackson has been shooting the ball poorly, and that's all he really bring to the table at age 33. He's averaged only 12.8 pints per game in his first season in Milwaukee, his lowest total since the 2002-03 season. Jackson's shooting percentage is also down to a mere .318. He's not exactly an attractive option at this point in his career.

Maybe his best days are behind him, and, in that case, he makes no sense for New Jersey.

There's also the fact that you get a ton of baggage with Jackson. He's already been suspended twice this season to go along with a career that's been filled with trouble. It's also worth looking at the fact that the Bucks have been better without him at times.

The Nets don't need that type of player.

There are plenty of better options that could probably lure Howard to New Jersey. A potential deal for Jackson is one the Nets need to quickly pass on.