Trade talks between the Nets and Magic for Dwight Howard have gained steam over the past few days and league sources say a possible four-team deal has taken shape.

New Jersey GM Billy King has aggressively pursued the necessary assets to satisfy the trade demands of Orlando for Howard.

The biggest obstacle is whether the Magic are actually prepared to give up their effort to convince Howard to remain with the franchise. There remains some optimism that Howard could be convinced to stay in the long-term if the team has a successful season.

No trade is imminent, but sources say the talks are entering a critical stage.

While the Nets are the frontrunners, Magic GM Otis Smith is listening to offers from other teams, according to sources.

The Nets are prepared to send Brook Lopez and a second significant asset obtained elsewhere in exchange for Howard and Hedo Turkoglu.

Howard hasn’t rescinded his trade request to the Nets, but as one source close to him says: “He runs hot and cold. …He just doesn’t always know what he wants.”