Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: 8 Reasons He'll Be Back with Magic in 2012

Common sense would tell you that Dwight Howard will no longer be a part of the Orlando Magic after this season. 

Whether he signs with another team through free agency or is traded by the Magic, there is just no way he stays with Orlando, right?

Wrong.

Here are the eight reasons why Howard will remain with the Magic in 2012. 

1. Desire to Be Different

As of late, mega-superstars in the NBA have left their original teams for bigger markets in hopes of winning a championship.

LeBron James went to Miami. Deron Williams went to New Jersey. Carmelo Anthony and Ama're Stoudemire went to New York.

Breaking the trend could be an attractive option for Howard. Sticking it out in Orlando and committing himself to the team that drafted him would earn him respect from a lot of the media and NBA followers.

Maybe, just maybe, Howard wants to be different from players like LeBron James and Deron Williams. 

2. Stan Van Gundy

Since 2007, Stan Van Gundy has been Dwight Howard's head coach.

In his four full years as the Orlando Magic head coach, Van Gundy has won at 50 games each season, including two 59-win seasons.

Although Howard has criticized Van Gundy at times, the Magic head coach has come to defense of Howard on several occasions.

Howard and Van Gundy have developed a close relationship during the four years they've spent together. Van Gundy understands Howard and knows how to best motivate him to perform at his best.

Leaving Orlando would mean Howard would have to leave Van Gundy, which is something I don't know if Howard's ready to do. 

3. Chance of Success

In terms of this season, the Magic may have the best chance of success out of the potential suitors for Dwight Howard.

The Los Angeles Lakers are always in the playoff hunt, but the team is getting up there in age, and many have questioned whether they can be as successful as they've been in the past. Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard would be a great duo on the court, but the Lakers would lose a lot of their other key players in order to obtain Howard from the Magic. 

The same goes for the New Jersey Nets. Deron Williams and Howard would be tough to stop for any NBA team, but the Nets are just a bad team in general. They are already 4-11 and don't show signs of improving on their record. It could be a few more seasons before the Nets become an Eastern Conference contender.

The Magic are 10-4 on the season and playing much better than many thought they would, especially with the Howard saga occurring. They are looking like one of the best teams in the East, and if they can go far in the playoffs, it could be enough to convince Howard to stay beyond this season. 

4. Young Talent

One of the bright spots with the Orlando Magic organization is the young talent on their roster.

This season, it seems as if those young players are finally coming into their own and contributing in a big way.

Most notably, forward Ryan Anderson has become a scoring machine this season. He's averaging 17.8 points per game and 7.3 rebounds per game. The high point of his season was scoring a team-high 30 points in a win against the New York Knicks.

J.J. Redick has continued to improve his game by transforming into an all-around guard, not just a shooter. He's become a reliable player off the bench, and even someone who can fill in in a starting role occasionally.

Jameer Nelson has been a solid point guard for the Magic and has teamed up with Dwight Howard for his entire career. 

Howard is surrounded by some great, young talent. It may take a big trade to put the Magic over the edge, but if Howard sticks around and these young players continue to progress, the Magic could be on track to being the top team in the Eastern Conference soon.

Amway Center

If the quality of the arena in which someone plays in had any effect on a player's decision to stay put, the Orlando Magic have a good advantage.

The Amway Center opened in 2010 and is one of the premier arenas in the entire NBA. As the newest arena in the league, it holds more than 20,000 people.

It contains the largest scoreboard in the NBA at more than 42 feet tall. The arena gives fans and its players a world-class experience every night.

If Dwight Howard stays in Orlando, he can be assured he'll be playing in one of the most impressive arenas in the NBA.

It's the Team That Drafted Him

Orlando will always have a special place in Howard's heart because it's the team and the city that drafted him back in 2004. 

It's the only team he has played for, and it's been a city that has welcomed him with open arms. Howard has seemingly put everything he's got into this city and franchise, and it would be tough for him to pack up and leave to another team.

However, if he does leave for another team, Magic fans should still appreciate and thank Howard for his effort and all of the moments he's invested into the team and the city of Orlando.

Fans' Commitment

If you have ever been to an Orlando Magic game in the last year, you would have noticed how much the fans love Dwight Howard and want him to stay in Orlando.

There are countless signs, chants and shirts asking Howard to remain with the Magic and get the city a NBA Championship. 

There is even a website out there devoted to convincing Howard to stay in Orlando, along with a Twitter account.

I highly doubt all of this will play a significant part in Howard's decision, but it must be encouraging to see an entire city supporting him and wanting him to stay in Orlando. 

If He Stays, He'll Be a Hero

Lately, NBA stars have been leaving their cities for bigger markets and forming "super teams."

We all know the stories.

LeBron James and Chris Bosh left their respective teams for Miami. Amar'e Stoudemire left Phoenix for New York City. Carmelo Anthony was traded from Denver to New York City. And most recently, Chris Paul was traded from New Orleans to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Dwight Howard has an opportunity to stand out above the rest. No one would blame him if he left Orlando for New Jersey, Los Angeles or Dallas, but if he stays in Orlando, he would cement his legacy as one of the cities most beloved athletes.

He would continue to be the face of the Orlando Magic franchise for the rest of his career, and his legacy could be legendary. Howard's presence would keep the Magic relevant in the NBA and a consistent contender in the Eastern Conference.