For the third time in less than eight months, the Brooklyn Nets have emerged as the leading contender in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes, according to both Yahoo! and ESPN. Whether they will emerge as the winner remains to be seen as the Magic are placing major demands on the Nets, including Brook Lopez, three draft picks and cap relief, i.e. a willingness to take on their worst contracts.

Adrian Wojnarowski reports "Brooklyn has pushed into overdrive in offering up trade scenarios and options for the Magic, sources said. For now, Orlando prefers Nets restricted free-agent center Brook Lopez as a centerpiece player over having its pick of the Houston Rockets' roster, sources said." Woj later added, "no deal is imminent" and Peter Vecsey tweeted, "Nets do not have deal in place for DH. Much maneuvering on tap ... First 10 scenarios unacceptable."

Chris Broussard and Brian Windhorst report similarly, " the Nets and Magic are cautiously optimistic that the Cavaliers will help them facilitate a three-way trade that lands Howard in Brooklyn."

Although reports out of Orlando had Billy King flying there Monday, Woj reports that instead the Nets GM is headed to Las Vegas to watch Deron Williams. David Aldridge adds that King has an ulterior motive: "sign Deron Williams at the first moment he's allowed--9:01 p.m. Vegas time Tuesday, 12:01 EDT"

Key to the deal remains a sign-and-trade involving Lopez, who Woj reports would receive a max contract of $58 million over four years if sent to Orlando (and $75 million if retained by Brooklyn.) Beyond that are the draft picks -- "the Magic would be compensated with as many as four future first-round draft picks" as well as another pick -- or Marshon Brooks, as Broussard and Windhorst report -- to persuade the Cavaliers to take on Kris Humphries in a second sign-and-trade. Beyond Cleveland there may be other suitors willing to join the fray.

• Brooklyn Nets emerge again as strong contender to land Dwight Howard - Adrian Wojnarowski - Yahoo! Sports
• Sources: Nets, Cavs in trade talks - Chris Broussard & Brian Windhorst - ESPN
  
• Nets 'making progress' in search for third team to help them land Dwight Howard - Ken Berger - CBS Sports
• Cavaliers may get Kris Humphries in blockbuster deal - Mary Schmitt Boyer - Cleveland Plain Dealer
• Cavs linked to Howard trade talks, but nothing imminent - Jason Lloyd - Akron Beacon Journal
• Magic, Nets, Cavaliers in Serious Talks - Alex Kennedy - HoopsWorld
• Nets Magic Cavaliers Close To Dwight Howard Trade - Jarrad Rudolph - RealGM
• With Dwight Howard trade hardly imminent, Brooklyn Nets work on Brook Lopez's contract - Stefan Bondy - New York Daily News
• Nets’ aim: Re-sign Lopez - Tim Bontemps - New York Post
  
• Potential Dwight Howard trade to the Nets could be building momentum - Josh Robbins - Orlando Sentinel