Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Howard's Basketball Legacy Will Be Trash in Brooklyn

I love BK and D12, but the hip hop saying "Brooklyn keeps on takin it" will not be uttered in regards to titles if Dwight Howard comes to the Nets. The saying was made popular by KRS-ONE of Boogie Down Productions in the classic "The Bridge Is Over."

The Nets and Magic are reportedly approaching a four team deal that would land Howard in New Jersey now, and Brooklyn next year when the Nets move.

The Nets would be building on the foundation of the outstanding, but less than dominant point guard Deron Williams and Dwight Howard. Is this a playoff team? Yes. Will they be better than Miami or Chicago? No.

As good as Williams is, he is the lesser of five great players in this basketball equation, as he is inferior to Howard, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Derrick Rose. While the Bulls don't have another superstar, their coaching, depth and defensive approach still makes them superior to a team comprised of Williams, Howard and role players.

What will be left of the Nets roster is nothing compared to what would be left in Los Angeles or Chicago, if Howard landed there.

This does not appear to be a pure basketball decision. Deron Williams is older, less athletic with a lower ceiling than Derrick Rose. The Bulls roster would still be strong, even if they traded Luol Deng, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson to the Magic for Howard.

The Lakers' roster would be better than New Jersey as well, if they part with Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and a draft pick. Plus, the prospects of free agent add-ons in the future is better in LA than it is in Brooklyn.

Which starting lineup is better?

Chicago Potential Lineup

Rose

Richard Hamilton (assuming he signs as expected)

Ronnie Brewer

Carlos Boozer

Dwight Howard

with

Hedo Turkoglu

Jimmy Butler

CJ Watson

Kyle Korver

Omer Asik as the reserves

or

LA Lakers Potential Lineup

Steve Blake

Kobe Bryant

Metta World Peace

FA PF or Derrick Caracter

Dwight Howard

with 

Derek Fisher

Matt Barnes

Luke Walton

Jason Kapono as the reserves 

or 

New Jersey Nets Potential Lineup

Williams 

Anthony Morrow

Travis Outlaw or Damion James

Jordan Williams or a FA PF

Howard

with

Jordan Farmar

Sundiata Gaines

Ben Uzoh

and Johan Petro as reserves

This really is no contest. The Bulls offer the best present and future for Howard, from a basketball standpoint. The Lakers offer a good present and a hopeful future, because it's LA and the Lakers.

Brooklyn will not win the title, nor will they be the favorites over the next four years. Williams is 27 now and Howard is 26. They will have a three year window while both are still in their prime.

Can anyone see them winning the East, let alone the NBA title in that time? If Dwight has angels sitting on each of his massive shoulders, he is obviously listening to the red one. Favoring the Nets will doom his career to awesome stats, but no titles.