With the Brooklyn Nets going another direction, the Rockets could be in the driver’s seat to land disgruntled Orlando Magic star center Dwight Howard. The problem, as it has been for months, is getting the continuing talks to go far enough.

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.

The Rockets are open to the three-team deal in which they would receive Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum, with Howard going to the Lakers, but are primarily working directly with the Magic to acquire Howard, the individual with knowledge of the talks said.

via Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle