The Nets have reportedly been trying to recruit the Cavs as a third team to help land Howard in Brooklyn, and their efforts are paying off, according to ESPN.com.
The Nets and Magic are reportedly "cautiously optimistic" that the Cavaliers will help them facilitate a three-way trade that would result in Howard finally ending up in Brooklyn.
Kris Humphries, who has been linked to a potential Howard deal for some time, would reportedly be one of the key pieces heading to Cleveland in the proposed deal, but the Cavs apparently want more assets in return because of their ability to sign Humphries outright.
ESPN.com reports that MarShon Brooks remains a key part of any three-way deal, as he's reportedly being offered to potential third-team facilitators since the Magic aren't interested in the swingman.
A league source told ESPN.com that "the deal is progressing, but nothing's imminent."
One major hurdle that Brooklyn is reportedly dealing with, however, is some teams' reluctance to get involved in a deal since it would alter the league's competitive balance.
