NBA Trade Rumors: Can the Orlando Magic Acquire Andre Iguodala or Josh Smith?

The Orlando Magic aren’t going to trade Dwight Howard anytime soon. Instead, the team is going to attempt to please Howard by listening to his demands.

On Monday, Howard met with General Manager Otis Smith and made it very clear he wants to play in Orlando, but only if the team makes some drastic moves.

Two of the moves Howard listed were acquiring Philadelphia 76er’s forward Andre Iguodala and Atlanta Hawks’ forward Josh Smith. Both moves would be extremely difficult to accomplish given the plethora of horrible contracts on Orlando’s payroll.

Iguodala is an interesting case because he would be an immediate upgrade for the Magic. He is a great defender that would also fit nicely within an offense revolving around Howard.

Problem is, it would be near impossible for Orlando to land Iguodala. Philadelphia would be giving up a great player for more horrible contracts and not enough production. Instead of cap relief, the team would be taking on more bad contracts, so from Philadelphia's standpoint, a trade wouldn't make sense.

Smith is an intriguing option as well. From Howard’s standpoint it makes sense because Smith and Howard were childhood friends. On the court Smith is a defensive force who, when teamed with Howard, would probably set a record for blocks.

Unfortunately, the Smith option might not come to fruition either. Before the lockout there was a rumor of Orlando giving Atlanta Jameer Nelson and Brandon Bass in exchange for Smith. However, the trade wouldn’t help Atlanta financially. Most importantly, it is unlikely two inter-division teams would make a trade that would help a rival.

Regardless of whether or not the Magic obtain players to Howard’s liking, he isn’t re-signing with the team anytime soon. Howard is limited to a two-year extension until July. Come July, Howard can opt out and sign a five-year contract.

Howard’s demands are interesting because he could have an alternative motive behind them. He ‘s not stupid, he knows the chances of Orlando landing either player are small. By making these demands he shields himself from criticism when he leaves Orlando. The last thing Howard wants is to be hated by fans league-wide, similar to the LeBron James situation.

There is a slim chance Orlando can hold on to the best center in the league. Howard wants to stay in Orlando, and Orlando needs him to stay. As slim of a chance as it might be, don’t doubt Otis Smith’s ability to make a huge splash via trade and entice Howard to stay.