NBA Trade Rumors: Magic Cannot Afford to Let Dwight Howard Reach Free Agency

The Orlando Magic cannot afford to let superstar center Dwight Howard reach free agency or the franchise could suffer a major setback that would destroy the future hopes of the team competing for the playoffs.

We all saw what happened to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors in 2010, when LeBron James and Chris Bosh, respectively, were allowed to reach free agency then bolted for new teams, leaving their old clubs far worse off.

However, Howard doesn't see himself being traded any time soon.

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“I don’t think they are going to do anything right now because we’re winning,” Howard said after a 104-97 victory over the Sacramento Kings improved the Magic’s record to 6-3. “Even if this is the last season, let’s go out hard, regardless.”

When asked if he expects Orlando to trade him by the NBA’s March 15 deadline, Howard said: “I don’t think so.”

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The Magic should trade Howard for the best possible package of young talent so they can move forward into next year and still be competitive in the short term.

Orlando just doesn't have the pieces around the Howard to be a legitimate NBA Finals contender now or a couple years down the road.

They don't have another dominant scorer that can lessen the offensive burden on Howard, nor a top-tier playmaking point guard that can run the offense.

The Magic need to capitalize on Howard's value. In an era of NBA basketball when dominant centers are so rare, Howard may have more trade value than any player in the league. No other center comes as close to dominating at both ends of the floor as Howard does.

With the upcoming draft class loaded with NBA-ready talent, Orlando would be wise to get as many first-round picks it can from a team willing to overpay for Howard.

With a player with Howard's talents available, you can bet all 29 teams will be interested to see what the Magic are looking for in return for their star center.

There won't be a shortage of offers, and the Magic must pick the best one and deal Howard. He doesn't have a future of championship success with Orlando, and it would be extremely risky to let him reach free agency.

Trading Howard and making sure you bolster your team for the future is the best way to go. Orlando must learn from the Denver Nuggets last season when they traded Carmelo Anthony before he hit free agency.

Nicholas Goss is an NBA Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report

Follow @NicholasGoss35