There were multiple reports Monday that the Nets and Magic were talking with the Clippers and Cavaliers about a deal that would ultimately send Howard to Brooklyn.
In the latest reports, the Nets would send forward Brooks Lopez and three first round picks to the Magic for Howard. The Magic would also get two players from either the Clippers or the Cavs.
A sticking point in the negotiations right now is that the Magic would like to rid themselves of some big contracts while dealing their franchise player.
Meanwhile, the Magic are reportedly going to interview Utah Jazz assistant coach Jeff Hornacek for their vacant head coaching job. Hornacek is with the Jazz summer league team that is competing in Orlando this week.
The Orlando Magic summer league team beat Brooklyn's rookies and free agents 92-88 on Monday. First round pick Andrew Nicholson led the way with 24 points and 12 rebounds.
In other state sports news....
- Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade has had surgery on his left knee,and is expected to need up to eight weeks to fully recover. The star guard of the NBA champs is expected to be ready for the start of training camp. The injury will keep Wade from playing with the U.S. Olympic team.
- Prince Fielder of the Detroit Tigers captured the All-Star Home Run Derby Monday night. Fielder outhomered Toronto's Juan Bautista 12-7 in the championship round to win his second derby.
- Tonight in Kansas City, the all-star game will be played. National League skipper Tony La Russa is sending San Francisco's Matt Cain to the mound. His batterymate is his Giants teammate Buster Posey, the former FSU catcher. Detroit's Justin Verlander will start for the American League.
