How Close? What's Needed?

As the Nets pursue renewed talks on Dwight Howard, there are reports that to get it done, the Nets must be creative in doing the deal ... and restocking the roster. Among the complications, according to Adrian Wojnarowski, a third team may be required to move things forward. Ken Berger also reporting the Magic are trying to see what they can get from the Mavericks and Hawks as well as the Rockets and Lakers. No one is suggesting a deal is imminent but discussions appear to be productive.

"For Nets-Magic to progress on a Dwight Howard deal, a 3rd team needed to take Kris Humphries in a sign-and-trade, league source tells Y!," tweets Woj in explaining the deal's complexity. He later added, "There isn't great enthusiasm within Magic that the Nets have the ability to make the most appealing offer for Dwight Howard, sources tell Y!"

Meanwhile Berger notes there's competition. "The Brooklyn scenario isn't imminent, and it isn't the only one Orlando is working on, sources say," tweets the CBS writer. "Orlando GM Rob Hennigan also trying to engage the Hawks, Rockets, Lakers and possibly Mavs in Howard talks. Full-court press." And Schuhman adds, "I can’t imagine any East team would help facilitate a BKN-ORL deal."

Should the deal go through and Deron Williams signs as expected, the Nets would have only five players under contract: Williams, Howard, Joe Johnson, Gerald Wallace and possibly Tyshawn Taylor. Fred Kerber reports that Hedo Turkoglu is NOT part of the deal. Quinton Richardson, however, might be. The Nets have MLE at $5 million, the BAE at $1.96 million and two trade exceptions, unless they are used in the Magic deal.

• Magic re-engage Nets, others in Dwight Howard talks - Ken Berger - CBS Sports
• Nets, Magic re-open trade talks for potential Howard blockbuster - Fred Kerber - New York Post
  
• Trade discussions for Dwight resume - Rod Boone - New York Newsday
  
• Source says Mavericks might have shot at Dwight Howard - Dwain Price - Fort Worth Star-Telegram