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Reports: Howard-to-Nets deal getting closer

07/09/2012 5:04 PM ET

Dwight Howard's smile will be bigger if the reported Magic-Nets trade finally becomes reality.(AP)

Editor's note: The details of the proposed deal for Dwight Howard is as follows: The Nets would send Brook Lopez, Damion James, Shelden Williams and picks to the Magic, as well as Kris Humphries, Sundiata Gaines, picks and cash to the Cavaliers. MarShon Brooks would likely go to the Clippers in return for a pick. Armon Johnson would also go to Orlando, meaning all four of the Nets own free agents would be dealt.

Net Income's report from early Monday morning:

Various reports suggest that the Nets - Magic deal to move Dwight Howard to Brooklyn is getting close to conclusion, but still nothing is firm.

Adrian Wojnarowski reports that "Tentacles of Nets-Magic talks covering 14 players, 3 teams w/ possible 4th locking in to take MarShon Brooks to provide pick, sources tell !" Previously Jarrad Rudolph of RealGM put the numbers at 11 and three. Chris Mannix adds, "Source said complicated deal would ‘gut’ the Nets roster of players, picks. But it would return Howard, which is the only end game for BK."

On chances for success, Fred Kerber reports the deal is complicated but increasingly likely. "Nets try for DHoward has 'a lot of moving parts' but progress continues, better than 50-50."

As for timing, Mannix reports "talks moving forward. 'They are getting there,' said a source." Mary Schmitt Boyer of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer goes further, "Looking like complicated CLE-NETS-ORL deal could be done this morning" and Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld adds "Magic brass will meet at 9 a.m. to discuss if they should pull the trigger on the three-team deal with the Nets and Cavaliers."

Should the deal, still being discussed, go through, the Nets would have a presumed starting line-up of Deron Williams, Dwight Howard, Joe Johnson, Gerald Wallace and Mirza Teletovic, whose combined salaries would approach $70 million.