LAS VEGAS — The words were uttered out of public view, in one of those hushed, closed-door meetings only revealed later, in whispers and calculated leaks. The statement would not be recorded for posterity, yet it was historic in its sentiment.

Less than two weeks ago, Dwight Howard told the Orlando Magic's top basketball executive he wanted a trade to the Brooklyn Nets.

At that moment, the league landscape changed. The Nets were no longer a punch line, but a destination, their sad-sack existence in the New Jersey swamp no longer a burden, but a quaint chapter for the history books.

The Nets are bound for Brooklyn and seemingly a newfound respectability. Deron Williams, one of the league's top point guards, elected to stay. Joe Johnson, a six-time All-Star guard for Atlanta, is on his way.

Elite center Howard might be next.

The machinations on a complicated, four-team trade to send Howard to Brooklyn were moving forward Monday, according to a person involved in the negotiations. It would involve 10 players — several of whom would need to be signed and traded for salary-cap purposes — and the participation of Cleveland and the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Magic would receive four first-round draft picks — three from the Nets, who would also sign and trade Brook Lopez to Orlando.

Under the current iteration of the Howard deal, the Nets would also obtain Jason Richardson, Chris Duhon and Earl Clark from Orlando, providing payroll relief for the Magic.

The deal could still fall apart. Kris Humphries, who would go to Cleveland in a sign-and-trade arrangement, could refuse. Furthermore, any of the minor free agents who are needed as cap filler — Damion James, Armon Johnson, Shelden Williams and Sundiata Gaines — could balk.

Notes

• Center Marcus Camby, 38, agreed to return to the New York Knicks in a deal that sends three players and two second-round draft picks to Houston, a source said on condition of anonymity.

Yahoo Sports reported Camby's deal was for three years and $13.2 million. He spent four seasons with the Knicks, starting in 1998.

Houston will get guard Toney Douglas, centers Josh Harrellson and Jerome Jordan and second-round picks in 2014 and 2015.

Meanwhile, forward Steve Novak re-signed with the Knicks for four years and $15 million.

• The Indiana Pacers intend to match Portland's offer to center Roy Hibbert, a restricted free agent, according to The Indianapolis Star. The Trail Blazers reportedly offered Hibbert a four-year, $58 million contract.

• Guard Dwyane Wade of the champion Miami Heat had surgery on his left knee and is expected to need up to eight weeks to fully recover. Team officials said Wade is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.

• Kansas forward Thomas Robinson, the fifth player drafted this year, signed with Sacramento.

• Minnesota forward-center Kevin Love, 23, is the only player among the 12 U.S. Olympians who has not been in the playoffs.

"My patience is not high," Love told Yahoo Sports. "Would yours be, especially when I'm a big proponent of greatness surrounding itself with greatness? All these (Team USA) guys seem to have great players around them."