The Nets are uninterested in trading Brook Lopez in a deal involving Monta Ellis, according to a source.

A report out of the Bay Area on Wednesday suggested the Warriors would want more from the Nets than just Lopez in exchange for Ellis.

The reportedly preference for Dwight Howard is to sign with the Nets in the offseason as a free agent, which would allow the franchise to retain the assets they do have.

Howard is enthused about teaming up with Deron Williams and he could likely receive a more lucrative adidas extension in Brooklyn.

The Magic haven't given up on keeping Howard and are interested in a trade for either Steve Nash or Monta Ellis, but both possibilities are remote.

While Avery Johnson considers the Mavericks "a threat" to sign Deron Williams, Billy King disagreed.

“I don’t look at it as a threat,” King said. “I mean, it’s reality. They’ve got cap space, and he’s obviously from Dallas. So I think if you follow Avery, the whole quote, he says ‘But I do think he’ll be playing in Brooklyn next year.’ So ... it doesn’t worry me.”

Mark Cuban also downplayed the assumption that Dallas will vigorously pursue Williams.

“Let me say this: There’s a lot of presumptions going on about what we’re going to do this summer, but you shouldn’t pay attention to anything you’ve read or heard because that’s not the way we approach things,” Cuban said. “We’re the last organization to get one thing in our mind and that’s the only thing we’re going to do ... I’m going be opportunistic. We’re going to try to create a championship team, or continue to be a championship team, and that’s evaluating everything in front of you and making the right decisions with the new CBA.”

According to sources with the Warriors, there is little to the trade rumors involving Monta Ellis going to the Nets for Brook Lopez.

Sources that spoke with Marcus Thompson said the Warriors would want more than Lopez in exchange for Ellis.

Golden State still believes they have a shot to acquire Dwight Howard.

Howard has made it clear that he is not interested in playing for the Warriors long-term.

Deron Williams didn't participate in Monday's practice because of an MRI on his left foot.

His foot swelled up before Sunday's All-Star game.

Williams is not expected to miss any time.

In Dallas for a Monday practice ahead of a game against the Mavericks, Deron Williams was asked his thoughts on playing at the American Airlines Center.

“I always like playing here,” Williams said. “It’s probably my favorite (arena) to play in. I just enjoy playing here — I enjoy playing in front of my friends, family. It’s always good they get the chance to come and see me play.”

Avery Johnson acknowledged that the Mavericks could sign Williams.

“For me personally, working for Mark Cuban, he’s a threat, okay?” said Johnson. “I know the guy. So I think because of the success he’s had — and I know he got criticized a lot for ... all those years where he didn’t win a championship — but he’s had some really great success here that rivals any situation. So that’s a threat. And for us, we don’t make any assumptions until we get Deron signed on the dotted line.

“So the main thing is, we keep doing what we’re doing, Deron’s been a major part of what we’re doing behind the scenes,” Johnson said. “He’s been a major part of what we’re doing with the new Barclays Center. So we’re saying he’s doing all of that with the intent that he’s going to remain with us in the future.”

Asked about his future Monday, Williams delivered what has become his standard response: “You know, I’m just trying to play out the season and look at my options after the season.”

Williams was also asked if he prefers the idea of being in his hometown or the arena itself.

“Home,” he said. “(And) I just like the arena. I think it’s a good shooting background. I just enjoy playing here. Fans — the fans are great. It’s always good when arenas have a lot of energy. Ours (the Prudential Center) doesn’t have too much energy.”

Dwight Howard's list of preferred destinations remains the Nets, Lakers and Mavericks with the Nets as the clear leader, according to a source.

One source said Howard wants to "be Kobe Bryant, not be with Kobe Bryant."

Sam Amick also cites close friends of Howard who say Bryant informed him that he would be the second or third option on the Lakers. 

RealGM's Jarrod Rudolph first reported details of the conversation in which Bryant compared Howard's potential impact to Tyson Chandler.

But one source says Howard preferred the Nets even before the Bryant conversation.

The New Jersey Nets have signed Gerald Green of the Los Angeles D-Fenders.

In 22 games, 13 starts, with the D-Fenders this season, Green (6-8, 200) averaged 19.1 points and 4.6 rebounds in 30.6 minutes.  

The 2012 NBA D-League All-Star Game Most Valuable Player, Green scored 28 points in 24 minutes during NBA All-Star festivities in Orlando.  

The Nets plan on signing Gerald Green on Monday.

Green, who was a first round pick of the Celtics in 2005, has been playing in the D-League for the D-Fenders.

Green is averaging 22.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per 36 minutes in 22 games this season.

The Nets are working on multi-team Dwight Howard trade options to pitch to Magic general manager Otis Smith.

New Jersey is believed to be Howard’s preferred destination.

The Magic have given Howard’s agent, Dan Fegan, permission to speak with the Nets, Lakers, and Mavericks.