Report: Dwight Howard, Stephen Jackson Have Discussed Joining Deron Williams In New Jersey

The New Jersey Nets remain one of the frontrunners, along with Los Angeles and Dallas, to land Dwight Howard in 2012, either through a trade or via free agency this summer. And if they're looking for a leg up on the competition, ESPN's Ric Bucher has an idea.

"My understanding is that Stephen Jackson and Dwight Howard have talked several times about playing together," Bucher said tonight. "They would love to do so with the Nets with Deron Williams as the point guard setting them up. If the Nets want to improve their chances of getting Dwight Howard, making a deal for Stephen Jackson ... should be on their menu."

Jackson is still under contract with the Milwaukee Bucks for another season -- he's due to make over $10 million in 2012-13. But if the Nets are able to make a deal for Jackson before the trade deadline, they may be able to build around the trio of Jackson, Howard and Williams this summer.