NBA Trade Rumors: Nets Signing Could End Dwight Howard Deal

It's time to put away childish things and return to reality. 

Dwight Howard remains the biggest name bandied about in trade rumors. With the New Jersey Nets ready to sign Kris Humphries, it seems that a pending trade of Superman will remain a fanciful dream. 

The NBA world was abuzz when a report came from Los Angeles that the Nets were on the verge of pulling of a mega deal that would have landed them Dwight Howard. 

ESPN 710 AM's John Ireland reported on Monday that he heard from sources the Nets were close to a deal to land the Magic star. A day later, a much different move had panned out. 

ESPN then reported on Tuesday that the Nets had agreed on a one-year deal with big man Kris Humphries worth $8 million. 

Back on December 14th, Marc Stein and Chad Ford penned a report that asserted the Nets would have to bring in another team or acquire other parts to make a trade work mathematically. 

This may be the impetus for a rumor drummed up by Yahoo Sports' Brett David Roberts that Humphries can now be used in a package for Howard. While I agree there may be credence to such a move, the Magic are not in the business of acquiring a starter that will bolt in just a few months time. 

What is more likely the case is the Nets coming to terms with reality. It's something the Lakers have had to do as they lost out on dealing for Dwight Howard and subsequently Chris Paul. Sometimes, you just have to move on. 

The Nets now have a solid post with Brook Lopez and Kris Humphries. New Jersey has the rebounding and defense to contend this year. 

What's more is that they have made ends to make a move on Howard in the offseason by placing Humphries on a one-year deal. There was no way they were going to lock up a player to a long-ternm deal with what is currently happening in Orlando. 

The Magic are gambling on this year being truly special as they contend for a title. As those teams continue to drool over Howard suspect, Howard will still make good on his intentions and test the open market in the summer. 

So it is time to put away the rumors and hopes for a big time deal. The negotiations will be put on hold as teams use the last few days before Christmas to solidify some semblance of a team ethos. 

Howard is going nowhere, and that is clear by the Nets move to bolster their roster. 

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