With the Brooklyn Nets seemingly out of the picture of Dwight Howard's trade market, the Houston Chronicle is reporting that talks between the Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets have been "serious," although it's yet to be determined if the Rockets will land Howard, or help facilitiate a three-way trade with the Lakers that would put Andrew Bynum in Houston.
Talks on Wednesday grew "serious," and the sides at one point seemed close to an agreement, according to a person familiar with the process. But the Magic backed off to consider their options.
Orlando general manager Rob Hennigan called reports the Magic had broken off trade talks in general "false." The Rockets were in contact with the Magic throughout the day Wednesday, a person with knowledge of the process said.
If the Rockets could engineer to land Howard in Houston, they'd have to clear cap room, which the Chronicle reports would involve an amnesty cut of Luis Scola, due $21 million on the remainder of his deal, as well as taking on possibly three contracts from Orlando.
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