Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: New Jersey Nets Preparing Offer For Orlando Magic Center

We may have our first significant Dwight Howard trade rumor of the NBA season. The New Jersey Nets are "preparing" to offer center Brook Lopez and multiple first-round picks to the Orlando Magic for Howard before he becomes a free agent next summer, according to a report by ESPN's Marc Stein and Chad Ford.

The Nets' "dream scenario," according to Stein and Ford, is to acquire Howard in a trade to pair with Deron Williams before he becomes a free agent next season. Howard is still with the Magic, but with several bad contracts and a declining roster, most believe he is looking for a new team after this season. The Magic may look to trade Howard and get something back for him before he potentially leaves in free agency.

ESPN also reports that the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are Howard's preferred destinations, which makes a trade risky for the Nets. Under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, Howard can not receive more than a one-year extension on his current contract. That means he too could bolt the Nets after being acquired.