The Orlando Magic have told rival executives that they might not trade Dwight Howard after all, according to league sources.
So can fans wake up from this "Dwightmare" or is this just another situation in which minds will be changed for what seems like the thousandth time?
An executive who has had discussions with the Magic regarding Howard said Orlando only will trade the star center in a deal that is great for the franchise.
Another executive who has talked with Orlando said he thinks the Magic may start the season with Howard and wait until the February trade deadline to move him.
So basically what the Magic are saying, they want a player of value now rather than just give Howard away. Guess that makes sense, but what happens if they don't trade Howard by the February deadline and keep him all season? Howard walks and they get nothing and will be wishing they made a deal sooner.
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets both desire Howard, but each team has come away from trade discussions thinking the Magic are not interested in trading the All-Star, according to sources.
Howard has expressed his desire to be traded ever since last season, first requesting to be traded to the Brooklyn Nets this past December. He seemed so sure of himself that it seemed unfathomable that he would waive his opt-out clause, but that's exactly what he did in March.
However, just last month Howard told new Magic GM Rob Hennigan in their first face-to-face meeting that he wanted, for the second time, to be traded to the Nets.
And now that's where we all are. It almost seems like because of Howard's inability to make a solid decision on what he wants, the Magic are now making Howard sweat and wait like he did them.
Or maybe it's possible that Orlando may be banking on the fact that neither the Nets nor the Lakers, whom Howard has told confidantes he would sign with long term, will have the salary-cap room to sign him outright to a max deal next summer when he becomes a free agent.
As of now, there seems to be no resolve to the situation. To be continued.
