Is Howard close to being a Net?

Could Dwight Howard soon be in a Nets uniform?

Several media outlets reported Friday that the Nets were close to obtaining Howard from the Orlando Magic in a trade that would include third-year center Brook Lopez and two first-round draft picks. But a deal seems a ways away.

The Magic is considering filing tampering charges against the Nets based on allegations that the team's hierarchy met with Howard, who still is under contract with Orlando. Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov and general manager Billy King reportedly met with Howard in Miami Thursday night, but King said in a statement, "Contrary to published reports, the New Jersey Nets did not meet with Dwight Howard."

Coach Avery Johnson did not want to comment on the reports of a trade for Howard, whose agent told ESPN that his preference would be to come to the Nets, who are moving to Brooklyn next season.

"Right now, we're focused on basketball and what we can do on the court," Johnson said. "Whatever is being talked about will be resolved and we'll work with whoever shows up. We're obviously not finished with our roster. We're working on it."

Referring to Lopez, Johnson said, "Fortunately, he's been through something like this before. It's not the first time or the last time Brook has heard his name as part of a rumor. We're all trying to get them through the distractions. In today's world of social media, things are said, whether they are true or false. We just have to deal with them.''

The Nets announced the signing of first-round draft pick MarShon Brooks and second-round selection Jordan Williams. Both practiced Friday.

Magic waives Arenas. Taking advantage of the league's new get-out-of-a-contract amnesty card, the Magic waived Gilbert Arenas and the $62 million he is owed over the next three seasons. -- AP