The Los Angeles Lakers have made major strides in trying to acquire Dwight Howard, but they have not yet been successful. The Lakers have offered the Magic a pretty intriguing offer, but it seems as though Howard will stay in Orlando. It’s not Howard’s choice to remain with the Magic, but instead, the front office is willing to play another full season with their All-Star center.
Despite all the distractions and drama Howard created for the Magic last season, the franchise is willing to put up with it for several more months. At this point, Howard will become a free agent come July 1st, 2013, and the Magic are prepared to keep him until that day. Orlando is hoping to complete a sign-and-trade when the time is right, meaning the “Dwightmare” is expected to continue on for a long time, Sheridan Hoops.
Our source said new GM Rob Hennigan has decided that getting the best deal is the priority. That includes the possibility of bringing back Howard for a second season-long distraction, this time without the illusory hope of keeping him and further alienating their already dismayed fan base.
Unless Howard signs a three-year extension – which his agent, Dan Fegan, has said his client will not do with any team – Howard becomes a free agent on July 1, 2013, regardless of where he is playing. If he is still with the Magic, they could negotiate sign-and-trades next summer.
The Magic had nice offers from the Lakers, Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets, but the front office did not find the deal attractive enough. Although no one is criticizing the Magic for waiting for the best deal, it is not wise to keep the drama filled Howard on the roster. Many can argue that Howard forced out general manager Otis Smith and head coach Stan Van Gundy from the team, so why keep the center?
No matter what the Magic accomplish in the 2012-13 season, the Dwight Howard trade rumors will also be the main story in the locker-room. The drama created last season almost destroyed the Magic and there is a good chance this time around will be even more destructive.
