NBA Trade Rumor Roundup: Nets Are Not Talking To Magic About Dwight Howard?

In a move that probably isn't all that surprising, the most recent NBA trade rumors continue to deal with the same teams and players, even as the NBA trade deadline looms. That isn't such a bad thing, however, because it seems everyone has a different source when it comes to the biggest names on the trading block.

Dwight Howard has asked for a trade from the Orlando Magic, and while the New Jersey Nets seem to be his most likely destination, the Magic are reportedly resisting said talks ... and New Jersey isn't initiating the conversation, either, according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski (via NetsDaily).

Yes, the Nets are still Howard's desired destination, but GM Billy King still hasn't had a substantive conversation with Smith lately. Orlando has made it clear to everyone that it's a buyer to find help for Howard, not a seller. Yet, most teams believe the Magic will eventually realize they simply don't have the assets to bring back a significant player to join Howard. Several executives insist forward Ryan Anderson has the most value to teams, and the Magic are determined to re-sign him to a long-term deal.

That's an interesting report, too, considering Billy King -- the man pulling the strings in New Jersey -- told the Star-Ledger on Tuesday that he plans to be active as the trade deadline approaches. King doesn't seem to be interested in actively trading away an injured Brook Lopez, though.

"We have flexibility cap-wise,'' King continued. "But at the end of the day, I want a healthy Brook Lopez and (don't want to) worry about making trades at this point in regards of moving Brook Lopez. It's about trying to add to this team.''

King said he will "look at other things that I was already talking about doing with other teams'' before the deadline.

"I had some things on the table that I'm exploring that will maybe create more cap space for us in the future -- maybe bring some more players or some key pieces as we go forward,'' he said.

The rest of the rumors aren't quite as juicy, but SB Nation's resident team of basketball sleuths did a pretty good job rounding up the best rumors out there on a lovely hump day morning.

Remember when it was mentioned earlier that the Magic were interested in building around Howard, not actively trading him? Orlando Pinstriped Post corroborates that report, but Evan Dunlap doesn't seem overly optimistic that something "splashy" might happen.
The Indiana Pacers are looking at making a move for a big man, too, but considering they're looking to replace an injured Jeff Foster ... well, Howard probably isn't an option.
Liberty Ballers' Michael Levin wrote a quick and dirty breakdown -- while asking for hints -- regarding what the Philadelphia 76ers might do at the deadline..
ESPN's Ramona Shelburne talked to the Los Angeles Lakers following Tuesday night's game and, unsurprisingly, the players are still trying to make the case to not be traded. As Shelburne notes, however, it's going to be difficult to stand pat if the team continues to struggle.
The always excellent Celtics Blog brings us another update regarding Ray Allen and the Los Angeles Clippers. Will Boston really move a member of the Big Three?
Detroit Bad Boys, SB Nation's Pistons blog, brings us some excerpts regarding Joe Dumars' line of thinking as the trad deadline approaches.
Last, but not least, it seems everyone has recently inquired about trading for Michael Beasley.