The Magic and Warriors are in trade talks involving Monta Ellis, sources confirmed to RealGM.

No trade is imminent, but talks are ongoing say sources.

The willingness of the Warriors to deal Ellis has increased over the past few weeks. While Ellis does not have as much trade value as teammate Stephen Curry, he does represent the franchise’s best opportunity to change the status quo.

Orlando has been active in their pursuit of a scoring guard to pair with Dwight Howard in an effort to retain him.

While Dwight Howard would be interested in playing with Chris Paul on the Clippers, the two teams have not engaged in trade talks recently.

A deal for Howard centered around Blake Griffin would surely be something the Magic covet. But sources say the Clippers won't even deal Griffin for Howard.

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.

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.

While the Magic and other teams are interested in trading for Steve Nash, the Suns still won't deal him unless he requests it, according to a source.

Nash is set to become a free agent this summer, but has given no indication of any interest in being traded to a contender for the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

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.

Otis Smith intends to "aggressively" pursue a trade for Steve Nash, according to multiple sources.

Nash is in the final season of his contract with the Suns, while Orlando is attempting to make a last ditch effort to improve their roster to keep Dwight Howard.

The Magic are denying a rumor that they have reached a deal with the Lakers and Raptors involving Dwight Howard.

Howard, Hedo Turkoglu and Jameer Nelson would go to the Lakers, while the Magic would receive Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol and possibly Jose Calderon.

Alex Martins, CEO of the Magic, confirmed to the Sentinel that the rumor is wrong.

The Magic are not interested in trading Dwight Howard to the Lakers for Andrew Bynum, according to one source that spoke with Peter Vecsey.

“I can tell you for a fact the Lakers offered Andrew Bynum and the Magic do not want him,” said a Western Conference executive.

Several insiders believe Howard will remain in Orlando for the remainder of the season.

One Eastern Conference general manager believes the Knicks have inquired about trading for Dwight Howard, even though Howard has specified his preferred trade destinations as the Nets, Lakers and Mavericks.

“I’m positive the Knicks have called just in case Dwight changes up,” an Eastern Conference GM said. “I’m sure they’ve offered a combination of everybody, excluding Jeremy Lin, of course. Otis (Smith) deserves a lot of credit for not putting it out on the street which teams have offered what.”