NBA Trade Rumors: Nets Must Avoid Gilbert Arenas Signing If They Land Howard

In one of the more bizarre rumors that has surfaced in recent days, free-agent guard Gilbert Arenas is being linked to Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard.

The Nets have gone on record as saying they would be interested in signing Arenas after they completed a deal for Howard, but if they are considering signing him before they get Howard, it's a dumb move from every standpoint.

For one, they already have a great offer out to acquire Howard. They certainly don't need Arenas in place to get that done. Howard has already committed to signing an extension with the Nets. He never has mentioned that he would only sign with the team that signs Arenas.

Secondly, Arenas is riding Howard's coattails. Not the other way around.

Arenas isn't the player that averaged over 25 points per game for three straight seasons from 2005 through 2007.

On the court, he's a guy that has to have the ball in his hands way too much to be effective. That could disrupt the Nets offense. Point guard Deron Williams is the guy who needs the ball in his hands the most. If they could get Arenas on a cheap deal after acquiring Howard, then it would be a decent move for the Nets, providing Arenas would be fine with being a role player.

Arenas just isn't reliable anymore to count on him to be a major part of the offense.

Due to a lengthy suspension and a variety of knee injuries, Arenas has played in only 117 of his last 328 regular season games. He's not the same player and too big of a risk.

Even if the Nets land Howard, they should still stay away from Arenas. They just don't need him or the risk.