Dwight Howard to Nets: It can happen, but is it likely?

The Orlando Magic are talking to the New Jersey Nets about a possible Dwight Howard deal. And there are a few ways — complex ways — that a deal could come together.

But if you think it’s a foregone conclusion — and I’m looking at you, Nets fans — you should check out what Ken Berger at CBSSports.com wrote.

Indeed, according to another person briefed on the matter, there is little optimism even from Howard’s camp that the Nets can put together a realistic package for the All-Star.

The reported deal would send Dwight Howard and maybe Hedo Turkoglu to Brooklyn for Brook Lopez, Kris Humphries, MarShon Brooks and some first round picks. Plus there are other players and pieces that could be part of any final configuration of the deal.

Here is what it takes to make it work: First Orlando has to accept a version of a deal with the Nets that they basically rejected before the trade deadline last year. And rejected before the draft. The Magic are in no hurry to do any deal right now because no deal can be consummated until July 11 at the earliest — why agree to terms now when someone else may come in with a better offer in a few days?

Howard has said he only will sign an extension in Brooklyn, but the Magic could not care less. If some team comes in with a better offer to rent Howard — and try to convince him to stay — then Orlando will take it.

As for the Nets deal, there are a whole lot of complications. Especially if the Magic insist that Turkoglu and his $11.8 million salary for next season is part of any deal. Think about it this way, the Nets would have the salary just agreed to with Gerald Wallace ($10 million a year), Joe Johnson’s salary from the trade with the Hawks, the max salary Deron Williams if he resigns, plus Dwight Howard’s max and Turkoglu — that alone is about $79 million. The Nets may take on Jason Richardson’s deal instead of Turkoglu to save a few bucks, but they are still over the tax line.

Then to make this work, the Nets have to convince Kris Humphries to sign a new contract and accept a trade, and the same for Brook Lopez. In total, as many as seven players may need to agree to a sign-and-trade to make this work.

Plus a third team has to be found to take on Humphries’ deal because the Magic are not going to add that salary, according to multiple reports.

And all that is pretty much the shortened, simple version.

So yes, the sides are talking and a trade of Dwight Howard to the Nets is possible — the Nets want it to happen and Howard wants it to happen.

But it is a very complex deal, and far more of those fall apart then come together.