NBA Rumors: Nets on the Verge of Offering Blockbuster Deal for Dwight Howard

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports is reporting that the New Jersey Nets are on the verge of closing a deal that would involve four teams and land Dwight Howard and Hedo Turkoglu in New Jersey while returning Brook Lopez and a "significant player" in Orlando. 

According to Wojnarowski, 

"

"The biggest hurdle for the Nets to acquire Howard will still ultimately be the Magic’s willingness to give up their future with him and concede that re-signing him is a lost cause. Orlando could also decide to keep Howard until the trade deadline in March and re-evaluate the market for him. There’s still a belief within the Magic a successful season could help them keep Howard for the long-term."

"

Wojnarowski also reports that the Lakers' deal is not entirely dead. However, there have been previous reports that the Magic want both Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol for Howard, and the Lakers are not willing to part with both of their big men. 

ESPN is reporting that the other player that would be going to the Magic could be Trail Blazer, Gerald Wallace. 

"

Sources told ESPN.com that the most active proposal discussed by the teams would sendPortland Trail Blazers swingman Gerald Wallace to the Magic along with Nets center Brook Lopez as two of the main pieces Orlando would receive in exchange for Howard.

"

It is noteworthy that the Wojnarowski article reports that Howard had not rescinded his trade request in spite of the more amiable tone expressed yesterday. It is also noteworthy that Howard really seems interested in playing long-term with Deron Williams. 

There is no doubt that landing Howard would help the Nets keep Williams and become an instant contender. This would help with the big move into their new stadium in Brooklyn. Owner Mikhail Prokhorov appears to be intent on building a long-term winner in Brooklyn.