The Dwight Howard Trade Saga is threatening to regress a few chapters, according to ESPN's Ric Bucher, who is reporting that the Orlando Magic have "reopened negotiations" with teams other than Brooklyn for Howard.
The reason is likely that the Magic and Nets have yet to find the right combination of a third and possibly fourth trade partner with appropriate cap space to finish off a proposed trade involving Howard, Jason Richardson, Brook Lopez and others. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers and Charlotte Bobcats have all been mentioned as potential trade partners.
The rumored mega-trade involving Orlando, Brooklyn, Cleveland and the Clippers would go as such, according to ESPN:
...according to sources, the Nets would receive Howard, Jason Richardson, Chris Duhon and Earl Clark. The Magic would get Brook Lopez, Luke Walton, Damion James, Shelden Williams, Armon Johnson and three first-round picks -- two from the Nets and a lottery-protected first from the Clippers. The Cavs would get Kris Humphries, Quentin Richardson, Sundiata Gaines, a first-round pick from the Nets and $3 million in cash. The Clippers would receive MarShon Brooks.
Not surprisingly, a deal with that many pieces is complicated and unlikely, as Bucher reported that at least six of the players would also have to be sign-and-trades. Hence the Magic reopening the market for Howard, where the Atlanta Hawks are among the teams known to be interested, but considered "not the best option," according to the ESPN report.
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