Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Nets Must Land D12 to Keep Deron Williams

After missing out on Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony last year, the New Jersey Nets finally were able to land a superstar in Deron Williams.

The only problem is, Williams becomes a free agent after this season and if he's not happy, the Nets lose their superstar.

Stephen A. Smith of ESPN said on Mike and Mike Tuesday morning that if the Nets can't get Dwight Howard, Williams is headed to his hometown Dallas Mavericks after the season.

Williams, one of the league's top point guards, is 27 years old now and he's been in the NBA for seven seasons. He wants to win now. Williams isn't going to wait around for the Nets to build up to a playoff contender.

In that sense, landing Howard, the league's best center, would not only be a win in itself for the Nets, it also could keep Williams from leaving town. Just imagine landing a superstar only for him to leave shortly thereafter. The Nets would be left with a shell of a team once again.

That's why the March 15 trade deadline is so important for the Nets. They either end up with two superstars past this season or zero.

The Nets are currently on Howard's wish list, which includes the Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers. On top of that, they appear to have the assets to land Howard.

Center Brook Lopez returns to the court Wednesday night against, yep, Howard and the Orlando Magic. Lopez, who is coming off a broken bone in his foot, is one of the pieces who could help the Nets land the 26-year-old superstar.

The Nets also have the up-and-coming MarShon Brooks and two first-round draft picks.

There's also the fact that the Nets will be moving to Brooklyn next season. As we've seen with Stoudemire and Anthony, New York tends to be a prized landing spot.

The Nets have the means to acquire Howard. Landing him is no longer a priority, it's a must.

Otherwise, the Nets may as well be content being a bottom-feeder.