NBA Rumors: New Jersey Nets Must Step Up Dwight Howard Trade Talks

According to Marc Stein and Chad Ford of ESPN.com, the New Jersey Nets are heavily engaged in talks with the Orlando Magic on a multi-team trade proposal that would land Dwight Howard alongside Deron Williams.

The aggressive parameters of such a deal, which include the Nets absorbing the long-term contracts of Hedo Turkoglu and Chris Duhon, indicate New Jersey is attempting to step up its pursuit of Howard. This is a tactic they must continue to implement though if they hope to acquire the star center.

Howard has all along been open to remaining in Orlando, but this inclination was made even more publicly prevalent recently. The franchise player's sentiments left the Magic in a less urgent state of mind than previously thought and, as a result, were not planning for a trade to go down.

Orlando's participation in the latest talks makes it evident that they are still open to moving their prized star, but they still have not yet given up on Howard remaining long-term. Now it's the Nets who need to enter a state of urgency.

Howard, while not on the team, is already a key piece to New Jersey's future. His arrival would go a long way in convincing Deron Williams to re-sign with the organization, which has been the Nets' priority since they acquired the point guard last February.

Additionally, delivering Howard is even more crucial because the Nets have already missed out on free agents Tyson Chandler, Marc Gasol and Nene Hilario. If a deal for Howard falls through, there isn't an addition that stands to be as enticing to Williams, or the team in general.

The latest proposal is an aggressive move on New Jersey's end, but their efforts cannot stop there. Despite such a package, the Magic are still in no rush to move Howard, and the Nets have to reverse this stance.

It is up to New Jersey to not only ensure this deal doesn't fall apart, but also to mold the offer into one that Orlando cannot afford sit on.

Until an accord is officially reached, the Nets need to continue to push the bill and up the ante, because if they don't, they stand to lose a lot more than just Howard.