Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Orlando Magic Can't Trade Howard While Contending

The window of time that would have allowed the Orlando Magic to trade Dwight Howard without public outcry has closed. As one general manager told Yahoo Sports, “Orlando is too good to trade him now.”

No truer statement has been made about this situation. There are three main reasons the Magic should hold on to Howard for the remainder of the season.

Trade Partners Assets Have Lost Their Value

The New Jersey Nets were, at one time, major front runners with Brook Lopez as the major player of value, according to ESPN. With Lopez's injury and the uncertainty around his effectiveness when he returns, the Magic have to be hesitant about pulling the trigger for a big man with a bad wheel.

Even healthy, Lopez pales in comparison to Howard:

Dwight Howard averages 18 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks per game for his career.

Brook Lopez averages 17 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game in his career.

It would take a nice additional piece to land Howard, and possibly a third team. There is too much uncertainty surrounding this deal.

As far as the Los Angeles Lakers go, after the way Howard just outplayed Andrew Bynum, this would be an extremely hard sell to the Magic fans. In a Magic victory, Howard blasted Bynum, with a 21-point, 23-rebound performance, compared to a 10-point, 12-rebound game for Bynum.

It was respectable, but not elite, and that is what Dwight Howard is, elite. Both figure to be free agents at the end of the year. If Howard bolts, they could always come after Bynum then.

Howard's Waffling and Changing List

Howard submitted his list, according to ProBasketballTalk.com. Then, he said he'd love to be with the Magic, according to Hoopsworld. Then, he asked to be traded, according to ESPN.

Then, he added the Clippers, according to Sheridan Hoops. Oops, no he didn't, according to the Boston Herald. It's all just too much. Otis Smith should just issue a statement saying: "To whom it may concern, Dwight Howard will not be traded under any circumstances. Please don't call me. Thank you.

Don't allow Dwight to be in control here. If he wants to leave, make him do the thing he doesn't seem to want to do, which is make a stand and be forthright with his desires.

When the time comes, offer him the max deal, call a press conference and say, "We offered Dwight Howard this much, for the max amount of years, we're waiting to hear from him."

If he turns it down, it's between him and the fans.

The Magic Are Real Title Contenders

The Magic have shot at going to the NBA Finals. They are 11-4, with a 5-2 record on the road. They are playing well as a team, and, quiet as kept, what player means more to any successful team, than Howard does to the Magic?

Howard is playing like an MVP for a team that is winning. You simply cannot trade him and watch your team take a step backwards. He is in that category of player, in which it is impossible to get their value in return, in a trade. The Magic have an opportunity to set a precedence here.

They must take a stand. They have already built a winning team and a healthy environment. They have done all they can. Leave it up to Howard.

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