Report: Nets Attempting To Compile Four Team Trade For Dwight Howard

Update - 9:26 AM: The Portland Trail Blazers have emerged as a potential trade partner with the Magic and Nets in a deal that would send Howard to New Jersey, according to a tweet from ESPN’s Marc Stein. According to Stein, the deal would potentially send Blazers forward Gerald Wallace along with Nets center Brook Lopez to Orlando.

Original – 9:16 AM: The New Jersey Nets are currently trying to compile a four-team trade that would help them acquire superstar center Dwight Howard, sources have told Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.

While the exact teams and players involved within the framework of the deal are unclear, Yahoo! Sports reports that the core of the trade would involve shipping Nets center Brook Lopez and one other major piece from an outside team to Orlando in return for Howard and forward Hedo Turkoglu. The Nets, who acquired superstar point guard Deron Williams via trade last season, are looking to assemble a team that can help them claim their first winning record since the 2005-06 season.

The Magic, however, are still uncertain on when and to where they will trade Howard. The three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year has had a rocky relationship with the team that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2004 over the past few months. It was reported that Howard had demanded a trade to the Nets at the onset of training camp, however more recent reports indicate that he may be willing to stay in Orlando if the club can convince him that they can build a championship team. While the latest rumors indicate that Howard has not rescinded his trade request, some within the organization have expressed optimism about still being able to keep Howard in a Magic uniform with a long-term deal.

The Magic front office has also reportedly spoken with the Los Angeles Lakers about a potential deal for Howard.