With the Nets struggling to put together a multiple-team trade that works for all parties, the Houston Rockets are getting more involved in talks for Dwight Howard.

Houston's goal is to get either Howard or Andrew Bynum from the Lakers. They've had "preliminary" discussions with the Lakers and Magic about a deal that would send Howard to L.A. and Bynum to Houston, with the Magic getting a rebuilding package. Houston has also discussed two-team trades with Orlando.

Key for the Rockets is a pick they're set to acquire from Toronto for Kyle Lowry. "Rockets' position strengthened, sources say, by fact no team has yet offered Magic better pick than first-rounder via Toronto in Lowry trade," tweets Marc Stein.

Meanwhile, Sam Amick reports, "there is still optimism in the Nets camp that a two-team Dwight Howard deal can be done with Orlando. The main reason? As many as five first-round picks are in play that would wind up going to the Magic."

• Can Lakers, Rockets, Magic Make a Deal? - Eric Pincus - HoopsWorld
• Magic look for Dwight Howard bids - Marc Stein - ESPN
• Determined to trade Howard, Magic exploring options with multiple teams - Ken Berger - CBS Sports
• Sam Amick's post on Basketball - Sam Amick - Sports Illustrated via Sulia