Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard (L) loses the ball against Atlanta Hawks center Jason Collins during the first half of Game 2 of their NBA Eastern Conference first round playoff basket ball game in Orlando, Florida April 19, 2011. REUTERS/Kevin KolczynskiKevin Kolczynski/Reuters
If Dwight Howard gets his wish, the New Jersey Nets could make the big move they're seeking as they prepare to head to Brooklyn next year.
Howard is planning to ask the Orlando Magic to trade him to the Nets and a deal could be imminent, sources close to the situation told ESPN.com.
According to the report, Howard will tell the Magic he will not re-sign after the season, obviously providing motivation for the team to get something in exchange for him now.
The Nets have already been told of Howard's desire to land with them by his agents, according to ESPN.
If the deal is made, it would mean more disappointing news for the Los Angeles Lakers, who had reportedly planned on trying to acquire Howard. The Lakers also had a deal in place for New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul in a three-team deal before NBA commissioner David Stern nixed it, reportedly under pressure from owners who didn't like the idea of the All-Star point guard going to a big-market team after fighting for parity.
The teams were appealing the decision Friday, according to ESPN.
The Nets have prepared an offer of center Brook Lopez and a pair of first-round picks, and will also take back Hedo Turkoglu and the $34 million on his contract over the next three years, ESPN reported.
Howard likes the idea of playing with point guard Deron Williams as well as opening the Nets' new arena in Brooklyn next season.
The fellow All-Stars spoke about teaming up during the lockout, according to the report.