The Brooklyn Nets' persistent efforts to land Magic center Dwight Howard are getting close to paying off, according to sources close to the process.
Sources told ESPN.com that the Nets and Magic are cautiously optimistic that the Cavaliers and Clippers will help them facilitate a four-way trade that lands Howard in Brooklyn.
According to sources the Nets would receive Howard, Jason Richardson, Chris Duhon and Earl Clark in the proposed deal. The Magic would get Brook Lopez in a sign-and-trade, Luke Walton, Damian James, Sheldon 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 in a sign-and-trade, Quentin Richardson, Sundiata Gaines, a first round pick from the Nets and three million in cash. The Clippers would receive MarShon Brooks.
Sources told ESPN.com that the complicated deal was getting "close."
As part of their due diligence the Nets and Magic have exchanged medical information on Howard, who had back surgery, and Brook Lopez, who had foot surgery, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher.
Howard, J-Rich, Duhon, Clark -> Nets
Lopez, Walton, Damian James, Sh. Williams, Armon Johnson, 1st rd pick x3 -> Magic
Humphries, Q-Rich, Gaines, 1st rd pick -> Cavs
Brooks -> Clippers
