NBA Rumors: Nets Should Focus Solely on Nene Instead of Dwight Howard

Led by billionaire owner Mikhail Prokhorov, the New Jersey Nets are focused on becoming contenders before the team's move to Brooklyn. That stance was furthered today by a report from Stefan Bondy, who cites a source that says the Nets believe they can land both Dwight Howard and Nene.

While that's obviously a dream scenario for the team, it's highly unlikely to occur. Nene is the most coveted free agent left on the market and Howard is reportedly having second thoughts about his trade demands. So acquiring one of the big men would be quite the accomplishment.

That's why the Nets should focus solely on Nene for the time being.

The problem with chasing them both is that the front office will end up spreading itself thin. Instead of pouring all of their resources into one marquee player, they will be bouncing back and forth between two negotiations.

What usually ends up happening in situations like that is the team misses out on both players. Thus, they are right back to square one, without any improvement.

Howard's situation continues to change hourly. He wants a trade, he doesn't want a trade. He'll sign an extension in certain places, but maybe he won't sign an extension in others. That volatility puts any team trying to chase him in a tough spot.

It's a much more clear picture with Nene, who is a free agent. There is less red tape to deal with, especially since commissioner David Stern has recently busted out his veto stamp.

The former seventh overall pick averaged 15 points and eight rebounds for the Denver Nuggets last season. He has played in at least 75 games in three consecutive seasons, which is always important to consider for post players.

He'd fit nicely alongside Brook Lopez, who would be a key piece of any Howard trade. They would form a formidable duo in the paint for the Nets. There would still be some work to do at small forward and shooting guard, but two reliable post men is an invaluable resource.

All told, the NBA offseason is hectic enough without trying to juggle two major deals at the same time. Nene appears to be a safer bet at this point and should be the top priority. If a deal can't be reached or a contract is signed with Howard still available, then it would be time to pursue him.

The Nets can't afford to stand pat if they want to take steps in the right direction this season, so they need to ensure at least one big deal gets done. Even if it means sacrificing the other.