In the midst of the latest Magic malfunction over Dwight Howard, the Nets are closing in --"on the cusp" as Fred Kerber put it-- on Nene, keeping as many options open as possible. Kerber also reports that among the candidates the Nets are considering at the small forward position is Richard Jefferson.

"There is lots to resolve," writes Kerber. "One, is the question of Nene who league sources maintain was leaning toward the Nets and their offer that is expected to be in the neighborhood of $60 million for four years — league sources said the deal was close but would not get done last night".

Nene and Howard have the same agent, Dan Fegan.

Similarly, Stefan Bondy wrote, "a source told The News that the Nets were closing in on top free-agent target Nene Hilario after failing to sign their other targets", and Ken Berger tweeted "league sources say the Nets are more focused on landing free-agent big man Nene than trading for Dwight Howard."

Kerber identified four candidates for the small forward position: "Jefferson, an amnesty guy in San Antonio — emerged as a long shot with usual suspects Rasual Butler, Josh Howard and another long shot, Andrei Kirilenko." Other reports indicate AK-47 has to be considered because of his ties to the team's Russian ownership.

• Nets get permission to talk - Fred Kerber - New York Post
• Dwight Howard rumors continue to swirl around New Jersey Nets training camp, as Nene talks heat up - Stefan Bondy - New York Daily News