The Latest On Dwight Howard
Orlando has talked about bringing Dwight Howard help more than they have about trading him, says Marc Spears. The Lakers are interested, but would only deal Andrew Bynum in a trade for Howard. Golden State is now willing to include Monta Ellis in a deal for Howard with the emergence of Klay Thompson.

The Magic are looking for a Carmelo Anthony-like haul if they were to trade him. New Jersey is still Howard’s preferred destination, but the Magic don’t like Brook Lopez as the centerpiece of a trade and three or four teams would be needed, says Sam Amick. Houston and Golden State will be discussed, but Orlando may not like anyone on the Warriors roster.

On the acquiring front, Orlando doesn’t have the assets to acquire Ellis or Steve Nash without Howard going the other way, but the team is trying to trade Hedo Turkoglu alone, says Marc Stein. To do that, though, it could take as many as two-first round picks along with Turkoglu.

Lakers On The Hunt
As for Pau Gasol, Houston still has interest but a third team would be needed because Los Angeles wants a point guard and the Rockets aren’t trading Kyle Lowry, says Marc Spears. Other Lakers targets include Devin Harris of Utah, Ramon Sessions of Cleveland, Raymond Felton of Portland and Michael Beasley of Minnesota. Cleveland is looking for a first round pick in return for Sessions, says Marc Stein.

Chris Kaman Talk Heats Up
New Orleans is looking to trade the big man, with the Rockets, Warriors, Heat, Pacers and Celtics among the teams interested in the expiring big man, says Sam Amick. Indiana would not be willing to give up a first round pick, says Marc Stein. There are rumors of Kaman going to Dallas for Lamar Odom and another piece, says Stein, but expect the Mavs to hold on to Odom for the rest of the season.

Extra Points
-Boston won’t trade Rajon Rondo unless they get a superstar in return, says Marc Spears. A Paul Pierce trade is unlikely, but dealing Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett for picks and young players is a possibility. Allen’s price would be Tyler Hansbrough and a first round pick from Indiana.
-Phoenix will only trade Steve Nash if he asks out, says Yahoo! Sports’ Marc Spears.
-Milwaukee is finally softening its stance on dealing Andrew Bogut by the deadline, says Marc Stein. The catch? Teams dealing for the former top overall pick would have to take on Stephen Jackson’s contract as well. Washington is among the interested teams.
-Washington is trying to deal JaVale McGee and Andray Blatche in the same trade, says Marc Stein. John Wall is the only untouchable on the roster, says Michael Lee.
-Count Indiana among the teams interested in Jamal Crawford, says Marc Stein. Minnesota also has interest and Orlando is interested in Gerald Wallace, says the Oregonian. The Blazers would also like to deal Raymond Felton.
-Antawn Jamison is generating trade interest, says Marc Stein.
-Don’t expect the Knicks to be busy at all, says Alan Hahn.
-Nets C Mehmet Okur will miss six weeks and will probably not be dealt by the deadline.