Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: New Jersey Nets' Proposed Deal Is Not Enough

One of the most recent trade rumors circling around the Internet is the New Jersey Nets trading center Brook Lopez and two future first round picks for Magic center Dwight Howard and the inflated contract of forward Hedo Turkoglu. 

The thought of two future first round draft picks is tempting for the Orlando Magic, especially at the thought of Howard leaving at the end of the year and getting nothing in return.  I know that thought terrifies Magic fans as well as the Magic's front office, but there is no way the Magic should bight on this offer from the Nets.  

It might sound enticing now for the Orlando Magic, but in the long run this trade will not work out for the franchise.  

The first reason why this trade won't work out is because Brook Lopez is in no way shape or form on the same level of Dwight Howard.  

He may be a more polished post player offensively, but he lacks elite strength and athleticism.

Last year, albeit on a worse team, Lopez only racked up 20.4 points per game and 6.0 rebounds per game as compared to Howard's totals of 22.9 points per game and 14.1 rebounds per game. 

If the Magic accepted this trade, they would be making a major downgrade, especially when it comes to production from their other players.  

Players like Jameer Nelson and JJ Redick would suffer greatly because the focus of opposing defenses would shift from constantly doubling Howard to being able to play straight up man defense. 

The even more pressing issue facing the Magic, if they choose to accept this deal, is the fact that there is no guaranteeing the success of future draft picks.  

Every year there are an insane amount of busts in the NBA because players enter the draft who aren't ready or teams draft players based on upside, which doesn't always work out.  

Just think if the Magic had two high first round draft picks the last two years and drafted Hasheem Thabeet and Derrick Williams, do you think that is equatable to having Dwight Howard on your team?

There is also no guaranteeing that the New Jersey Net's first round draft picks will be high picks over the next two years.  

For all we know, acquiring Howard could result in the Nets becoming a contender and making the playoffs each of the next two years, which would result in the draft picks not being worth nearly as much. 

All in all, if the Magic trade Dwight Howard, they absolutely must get elite talent in return.  

If they retain him for another year, they better do all they can to get another good player on their roster like PF David West or PG Chris Paul, because if they don't, the end of the 2011-2012 NBA season will feel eerily similar to the end of 1995-1996 Magic's season when the lost their first franchise big man in Shaquille O'Neal. 

Orlando, do yourself a favor and pass on whatever the New Jersey Nets offer you.  

Believe me, as we move closer Christmas Day, teams will begin to realize what Howard can bring to their team and they will make much more enticing offers.