NBA Trade Rumors: Clippers Wrong to Enter into Potential Dwight Howard Trade

The Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers were searching for a fourth team to send away a first-round pick and acquire MarShon Brooks in an effort to help facilitate the potential Dwight Howard trade. 

Now, according to ESPN's Chad Ford, the Los Angeles Clippers are going to be that fourth team: 

"

Just going up on ESPN. Clipoers will be 4th team in D Howard deal. They would take back MarShon Brooks in return for a lottery protected 1st

— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) July 9, 2012"

Why exactly? 

I love MarShon Brooks and was one of his biggest supporters prior to the 2011 NBA draft, fully expecting him to become one of the biggest steals in the draft class. He remains a high-upside shooting guard after a decent, albeit unspectacular, rookie season. 

However, he doesn't exactly fit in with the Los Angeles Clippers from a roster perspective or a playing style one. 

Brooks loves having the ball in his hands, yet the point guards on the Clippers' roster, namely Chauncey Billups and Chris Paul, do as well. 

Then again, that won't matter if he's unable to get playing time.

With Eric Bledsoe returning from injury and Jamal Crawford joining the team as a free agent, there are too many established or incumbent guards ahead of Brooks on the depth chart. He'd have to carve out a role and wouldn't be able to grow on the court to the extent that he could with the Brooklyn Nets. 

With a very solid draft class coming up for the 2013 NBA draft and an expected pick in the low 20s, the Clippers would be better off keeping their future pick. 

According to CBS' Ken Berger, the Clippers haven't actually committed to sending over the pick, and other teams remain in the mix for Brooks and a chance to help the Nets complete the trade: 

"

Clippers have been asked to take MarShon Brooks for a 1st-round pick as fourth team in Dwight Howard trade, but haven't agreed, source says.

— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) July 9, 2012"

Brooks should hope someone with a more appealing draft pick steps up and makes the deal, or else he risks both a bad situation for himself and the team he'd be going to.