Amid rumors that the Brooklyn Nets were looking to get back into the Dwight Howard sweepstakes, several reports have come out denying their validity.
NetsDaily reports that the rumors are "total BS" and simply "not true." The New York Daily News corroborates this report, saying the Nets have not engaged in any talks with the Lakers about Howard and that they do not believe the star big man will be dealt before the Feb. 21 trade deadline. Nets management has also spoken privately with center Brook Lopez and assured him that he's not a part of any trade proposals.
The rumor in question is from Jarrod Rudolph of Real GM, who reported on Tuesday that the Nets are trying to put together a package to entice the Lakers to move Howard. Rudolph mentioned the Minnesota Timberwolves as a potential third team in a deal, with a package centered around Kevin Love.
These rumors are certainly not unexpected considering how the Howard saga played out last year. Howard hinted that Brooklyn was his preferred destination all along, but things just did not work out. With the Los Angeles struggling this year and Howard set to become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, the Lakers may consider trading the center if they feel he won't re-sign.
But for now, do not expect the Nets to get involved. At least that's what they say.