Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Sly Comments Prove D12's Heart Isn't in Orlando

Dwight Howard is going to be the focal point of NBA All-Star weekend, not just because it takes place in Orlando, but because this could be the final showcase for him as a member of the Magic. 

The NBA trade deadline is less than three weeks away and Magic general manager Otis Smith is going to have some decisions to make about this team and the franchise player. 

For Howard, he doesn't seem to be as infatuated with Orlando as he once was. There is no doubt that he is playing hard, but he appears to be mentally fatigued by the weight of everything and is anxious to explore the possibilities. 

Take his comments earlier this week after a game against the New Jersey Nets, who did their best to woo Howard without actually tampering, as an example of his desire to look at the NBA universe that is out there. 

"

It's a humbling experience. I wish more people can see how it feels to go into another arena and have big faces and posters. It's a blessing.

Right now, my only concern is winning games, playing as hard as I can every night and leading my team. That's the only thing I can control. I put all the other thoughts aside and I'm focused on one thing, the only thing I can control, which is what I do on the court. And that's the only answer I can give you.

"

Actually, Howard is in control of a lot more than he knows. He could put an end to all this by saying that he wants to stay with Orlando and sign a contract extension. He could make a clear, definitive statement about wanting to be traded. 

What he said following the Nets game, he is trying to play both sides of the coin. He wants teams to fawn all over him, but he doesn't want to offend the franchise that made him the No. 1 pick in the 2004 draft. 

Howard is going to play every game with Orlando as hard as he possibly can, no one would ever accuse him of less than that. It is everything else that he is leaving open to interpretation. 

If he wants to play with the Nets then he will be given every opportunity to do so. If he wants to stay with the Magic, the team would love to have him sign an extension now. Given that the latter has almost no chance to happen, we know that he wants out as soon as possible. 

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