NBA Rumors: Latest on Trade Talk for Lakers, Timberwolves and More

As we draw within 24 hours of the NBA trade deadline, it looks like we are getting closer to a couple of trades. At least two major deals are close to going down. 

One trade involves the Los Angeles Lakers. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, 

While there is no indication of what the Lakers would have to give up or what Portland would get back, it does help out the Lakers and the Timberwolves. 

For the 'Wolves, it gives them a true shooting guard, which they need even more now that Ricky Rubio is out. Luke Ridnour, who is a more natural point guard anyway, had been playing the position, but since Rubio's injury, he's stepped into the starting point guard spot. 

For the Lakers, it gives them a player who can put the ball on the floor and spread the court with a three-point shot. It's likely that Beasley will be coming off the bench and leading the second unit offensively. 

Another trade that looks closer to happening is the Dwight Howard to the Nets rumor. 

According to Chris Broussard of ESPN.com, 

"

Dwight Howard's public plea late Tuesday to remain in Orlando for the rest of the season has only served to anger the Magic and has instead pushed them closer than ever to trading their superstar center, according to league sources with knowledge of the situation. Convinced that Howard, on the advice of his agent, is trying to manipulate the situation, the Magic are telling teams they will trade Howard before Thursday's 3 p.m. ET deadline if he does not commit to them beyond this season, league sources said. 

"

The Magic are getting closer to realizing a lack of a commitment to not at least pick up the option on his contract is the same thing as a commitment to not return. The blow-back if they don't get anything at all in return for Howard is just too much to bear. 

Look for the Magic to finish this trade within the next 24 hours. It might take until the last minute, but it will happen. Howard has played his last game in Orlando as a member of the Magic. 

*Edit: 4:25 EST: Broussard is reporting on ESPN News that Dwight Howard is telling friends and teammates that he is not going opt out of his contract (i.e. he will exercise the option on the final year). That would mean that he is staying in Orlando.

So I guess this comes down to whether you want to believe Chris Broussard or Chris Broussard.