NBA Trade Rumors: Addition of Howard to Nets Could Threaten Heat's Title Defense

Although nothing has yet become official, it appears the Nets are nearing a four-team deal (per Real GM) that will land them Dwight Howard and possibly a shot of knocking off the defending champs.

Assuming the deal does become actualized, the Nets would receive Dwight Howard, Jason Richardson and Earl Clark at the expense of a package featuring Brook Lopez, Kris Humphries, MarShon Brooks and three future first-round draft picks. 

On paper, this would give the Brooklyn Nets a starting lineup which would feature Howard, Deron Williams, Gerald Wallace and Joe Johnson.

Meanwhile, it doesn't take an expert to guess what the main topic of conversation will be should the deal go through: Can the Nets knock off Miami?

The mismatches they would pose to the Heat would certainly start in the middle, as Howard would be able to expose the team's lack of size.

Furthermore, while no one can fault the signing of Ray Allen, the Heat have done nothing to address their lack of size in the middle—save for the drafting of second-round pick Justin Hamilton, who doesn't figure to be an impact player.

Additionally, it should be noted that the Heat finished 2-2 in the regular season against Orlando, while one of their two wins came in the absence of Howard.

Moreover, in each of the last two postseasons, the Heat did not face the Orlando Magic—something which they may have neglected to keep in mind when deciding to forgo the addition of a center in favor of more shooting to complement their small-ball philosophy.

Also, unlike the Thunder during the NBA Finals, the Nets would have four bona fide scorers who could be relied on to contribute, as well as Jason Richardson off the bench. 

Lastly, any questions of the kind of chemistry issues which kept Miami one year away from fulfilling their potential may not hinder the Nets, given that their players figure to complement each other better than Miami's big three originally did.

So, at the end of the day, the big question that may soon be on everyone's mind is whether or not the Heat need to watch the throne against Jay-Z's Brooklyn Nets.

Could be interesting.