NBA Rumors: Why D12 to the Nets Still Wouldn't Make Them Contenders

The Nets are a team going through the rebuilding process.  They are getting a new name, players and even moving the franchise to Brooklyn, and for once in the last few seasons things are looking bright for the Nets.  

After acquiring Deron Williams last season before the trade deadline, the Nets are poised to make a big run for Dwight Howard.  However, I don't think acquiring Howard would be enough to turn this team from pretender to contender.  Here's why:

The Nets have an excellent point guard, arguably the best in the NBA, and a bunch of...well, scrappy guys I guess, with the exception of Brook Lopez.  Trading Lopez and future picks for Howard would not do anything.  What good is it if you have a point guard who can dish assists, but has nobody to dish them to?

What good is it if the Nets acquire a great rebounder, defensive man and all around superstar if he has nobody to rebound for? The Nets need shooters, not a center.  They should be content with Brook Lopez, and try to trade for someone like Monta Ellis or Andre Iguodala.

 They should also use some of the Cap Room they have to sign a decent player in the free agent market this year, such as a Jamal Crawford-type player that could give them leadership.  That's a step in the right direction, not trading Lopez—one of the only bright spots on the team—and future draft picks for a player like Dwight.  It just doesn't make any sense.

I don't believe acquiring Howard would solve the Nets' issues.  They should invest what they have into a great shooter and a power forward.  Take, for example, Joe Johnson and Josh Smith.  Trading for those two without trading Williams would, in my opinion, help the team more then Dwight Howard. There are plenty of better options for the Nets then Dwight Howard.  Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo, Danny Granger, or even Eric Gordon would all be better choices.

Because trading for Dwight Howard would mean the Nets are stuck with him and Deron, and the chances of getting good or even decent talent in free agency, trades or the draft would be diminished.