ORLANDO, Fla. — The thinking with Dwight Howard obviously was Brooklyn and championship. The thinking with Gerald Wallace apparently is Newark and playoffs.
And, of course, surrounding Deron Williams with talent.
So while the Nets’ Plan A, Orlando’s All-Universe center, was being re-introduced to Magic followers for another season beyond this, ending a drama that bordered on ludicrous, the Nets were putting Plan B in motion. That meant acquiring a small forward they long have admired, Portland’s Gerald Wallace, for Mehmet Okur, Shawne Williams and their own first round pick this June, protected through the top three spots. The Nets still own Houston’s 2012 pick, which is lottery protected.
“This trade was really to get us a small forward, a starting small forward,” Nets general manager Billy King said. “[He’s] a former All-Star, somebody I felt would give us some great defense and versatility, somebody who would play hard, leadership. … I think, for us, he gives us somebody that, with his experience and leadership, will help us continue to build.”
Wallace, 29, is an 11th-season pro who is an upgrade at small forward, where Gerald Green recently has provided production and excitement for a weary fan base that has not seen the playoffs since 2007. Figure Green gets signed through the end of the season after his second 10-day deal expires Sunday.
As much as the upgrade mattered, getting Deron Williams into a playoff picture also was important. The Nets start that playoff push here tonight — right, in Orlando against Howard at the Amway Center Waffle House. Somebody in the NBA has a perverse sense of humor.
Howard almost certainly would have ensured Williams would stay put. When Howard hopes faded, the Nets had to seek all avenues to win now. When Brook Lopez returns from a sprained ankle, he can anchor a starting unit that includes Williams, MarShon Brooks, Wallace and Kris Humphries.
Williams can opt out from the $17.8 million due next year at the end of the season and become a free agent. Wallace also has an opt-out clause, but at $9.5 million, he’s less likely to find a comparable deal elsewhere.
So ended a tumultuous two days leading to yesterday’s trading deadline. During that time, Howard waffled and flip-flopped no less than four times before finally waiving his early-termination option, meaning he will be aboard for 2012-13. The Magic, had Howard not signed, were prepared to trade him, team officials said yesterday — and the Nets were likely targets.
The Nets, who stand 4 1/2 games out of the eighth and final playoff spot, seemingly have soured on this draft, which has been perceived to be weak. There are a handful of impact players, but too many of the lottery types are seen as projects. And the Nets need help now.
“I think [a realistic playoff push] was part of it,” King said. “We’re not that far out of it, and we’ve got a pretty favorable schedule, so, yeah, the thought is to continue to push for that playoff spot.”
Beyond the pick, the Nets gave up Okur’s expiring deal ($10.89 million) and Shawne Williams ($3.135 million next season after $3 million this season), who has been a massive disappointment since signing a two-year free agent deal before the season.
Wallace is a terrific defender (All-Defensive First Team in 2009-10), maniacal going to the glass. He’s very athletic, runs the floor and should be a great running complement to Deron Williams. He was averaging 13.4 points and 6.3 rebounds for Portland, very close to his 13.3 and 6.6 career marks.
fred.kerber@nypost.com