NBA Trade Rumors: Why Brooklyn Nets Don't Need Dwight Howard

That's right, you read that title correctly. The Brooklyn Nets don't need Dwight Howard on their team if they want to make a run at the championship.

Would it help? Absolutely.

Is it necessary? Not at all.

But it appears the Nets are still looking to acquire the Orlando Magic center, according to Sam Amick of SI.com.

The dog-and-pony show that has been the Howard trade saga has been going on for quite some time now, and it's safe to say we're all sick of hearing about it. But just bear with me for one more D12 article before you shut down at the very thought of his name.

There's no doubt what Howard brings to any team. He's an imposing interior force that can rebound, block shots and score. D12 is easily the best center in the NBA and his presence in the paint is unmistakable.

But that's not to say the Nets can't already match what Howard brings.

You want interior offense? I give you Brook Lopez.

Lopez isn't known for his defensive prowess. In fact, he's a horrid rebounder. But he does have a knack for scoring the orange, and that's exactly what he can provide for the Nets if they don't get Howard. Lopez did see limited action last year thanks to injuries, but he averaged 20 points per game in the 2010-11 season, showing he has plenty of promise to be a great offensive center.

You want interior defense and rebounding? How about the former Mr. Kim Kardashian himself.

Kris Humphries has proven to be a solid defender in the paint and an even better rebounder. Humph has seen his rebounding numbers go up steadily over the past two seasons, from 10.4 rebounds per game during the 2010-11 season to 11 rebounds per game last season. There's no reason to believe it won't go up again.

On top of that, Humphries has improved his offensive game with a decent short-range jumper and his ability to take advantage of the open looks his all-world point guard, Deron Williams, gives him. Humph went from 10 points per game in 2010-11 to 13 points per game in 2011-12.

It isn't unreasonable to think that Humphries could be a 15-point, 12-rebound player for the Nets next season. I'm sure they'd be more than satisfied with such productive numbers.

Health must also be a concern if the Nets want to bring D12 to Brooklyn. Howard finished his season in the trainer's room after back surgery kept him from participating in the playoffs. The last thing you want to hear a big man is battling is back problems, and D12 has had to do exactly that.

Granted, Brook Lopez did have season-long foot problems, but the 24-year-old won't garner anywhere near the same money and years on a contract that Howard would.

While the Nets will make their play for Howard anyway, it just goes to show that he isn't the end-all, be-all of their future championship aspirations. If the Nets don't acquire Howard this season, they can easily find similar production with the pieces they already have.