NBA Rumor Rundown: Sixers after Humphries?

The Brooklyn Nets' pursuit of Dwight Howard took a major turn on Sunday, with the Nets making progress in finding a third team to absorb salary in a potential trade, according to CBSSports.com's Ken Berger. The proposed deal centers around the third team's ability to take on free agent power forward Kris Humphries in a sign-and-trade.

Berg says that the Cavaliers have emerged as a "possible destination" for Humphries, allowing the Nets to accumulate draft picks to send to the Magic for Howard. According to Hoops World's Alex Kennedy, the Sixers represent another possibility.

Humphries would fit the Sixers' need for a starting power forward after they used the amnesty clause on Elton Brand last week. The 6-foot-9, 235-pound Humphries enjoyed the best season of his eight-year career in 2011-12, posting a career-high 13.8 points, 11 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.

Before his breakout for the Nets, Humphries played limited minutes for the Mavericks, Raptors and Jazz. Utah selected him with the 14th pick in the 2004 draft out of Minnesota.

Berg also reported that the Lakers remain involved in talks for Howard.

Busy day in Boston
On the day the Celtics reached an agreement with free agent forward Jeff Green (see free agent update), the team received bad news on guard Avery Bradley.

According to CSN New England (via ProBasketballTalk), Bradley will undergo shoulder surgery on Tuesday and miss the start of the 2012-13 season. The Celtics may target shooting guard Courtney Lee as a replacement.

Boston coach Doc Rivers met with Lee on Saturday night, as reported by ESPN Boston.

Bucks retain Ilyasova
Milwaukee agreed to a five-year, $45-million deal to re-sign forward Ersan Ilyasova, according to HoopsHype (via ProBasketballTalk).

The 25-year-old was viewed as a potential Sixers target after averaging a career-high 13 points and 8.8 rebounds last season.