Nonetheless, one Eastern Conference executive said he believes that if (Dwight) Howard is traded before the deadline, it will be to New Jersey. But the Nets should not begin stitching Howard’s jersey just yet. The same executive, as well as several others around the association, believe the longer this goes on without a resolution, the better Dallas’ chances of snagging both Howard and (Deron) Williams. Mavs owner Mark Cuban is positioning himself to make a run at both players and if he can move Shawn Marion after the season, he could be in position to offer both players near-max deals. Williams, a Dallas native, would love to play in his hometown, and Howard, Dirk Nowitzki and he could form a big three that would rival Miami’s.

via Chris Broussard of ESPN