NBA Rumors: New Jersey Nets: Is Dwight Howard Still Brooklyn Bound?

The Dwight Howard trade saga is still not over. According to Stephen A. Smith, during a segment on ESPN’s SportsCenter, Howard will demand a trade immediately after the season ends.

Here we go again!

Before the 2011-12 NBA season started, it was reported that Howard wanted a trade to the New Jersey Nets. That trade never happened, and the Magic seemed content playing the season with him on their team.

As the trade deadline approached, the trade talks heated up again. Every day, the situation seemed to change. One day, it seemed as if Howard was going to stay with Orlando, and the next day, he was demanding a trade. The Nets were his expected destination, if he were to be traded.

Ultimately, the trade deadline passed, and Howard remained with the Magic. He waived his opt-out clause, which would keep him contracted with the Magic for at least one more season.

You would think the drama with Howard and the Magic that would have halted for a while.

That didn't happen.

Reports that Howard demanded Stan Van Gundy be fired began circulating. Howard was battling with back problems as well, and he decided to have season-ending surgery.

The Magic franchise is going to have to make a difficult decision. Should they stick with their head coach or their star player? Howard may make that decision easy for them, as he plans on requesting a trade once the Magic are eliminated from the playoffs.

Is he going to again ask for a trade to the Nets? They are likely to be on his wish list again.

This news should get Nets fans excited—it opens up the door for Howard to be a Net. It also raises the chances of Deron Williams re-signing.

Williams has yet to make a decision on whether he will leave the Nets or stay after this season, but it appears he has one foot out the door. Howard would bring that foot back in. Williams has already expressed interest in playing with Howard, and he would most likely re-sign if the Nets can pull off a trade for Howard.

The Nets are moving to Brooklyn after the season, and they could use a splash like Howard to make it more successful. The Nets would immediately become a contender with Howard. Their starting five could be Williams, MarShon Brooks, Gerald Wallace (if he stays), Kris Humphries (if he re-signs), and Howard.

If Howard does demand a trade after the season, the Nets should do everything they can to trade for him.