5 Solutions to the Dwight Howard Drama in Orlando

Maybe Dwight Howard should look in the mirror more.

The Orlando Magic are reeling, and their star center continues to make it known that he wants out.

The same guy that admittedly doesn't want to play with the current guys wearing an Orlando uniform ripped his teammates for their lack of effort after Orlando got smacked around by the New Orleans Hornets.

They probably deserved that, though.

But who rips Howard for missing 11 free throws in Sunday's loss to the Pacers?

What Howard has done is create a drama-filled season that can compete with any soap opera on television.

Howard's drama has effected the team, but there are solutions to fixing things. Here's a look at five ways to fix the drama that Howard has caused in Orlando this season.

Withdraw Trade Demand

Howard should realize he's not getting dealt anytime soon.

Instead of constantly reminding everyone that he still wants traded, maybe Howard should take his demand off the table for now and revisit it closer to the trade deadline.

Maybe, acting like a leader and leading by example might get this Magic team going.

Until he does that, his words are hollow. He demands better effort from people, but, at the same time, he's telling them they aren't good enough to stick around for.

No one wants to play with a guy like that.

Maybe he should try leading by example and see if the Magic can get back into the Eastern Conference race.

Tell Howard He's Not Being Traded

One way to put an end to the drama is for Magic general manager Otis Smith to publicly tell Howard he's not going anywhere until the trade deadline.

Smith wants Howard in a Magic uniform when the All-Star Game comes to Orlando. That's understandable.

By telling Howard he's not going anywhere until mid-March at the earliest, maybe the trade chatter will quiet down and the Magic can just play basketball.

Tell Howard to Shut Up

Here is an opportunity for Smith, Stan Van Gundy or even some of Howard's teammates to publicly let Howard know he's a distraction.

Even in Howard's postgame quotes, he often uses the word trade in one way or another.

Someone should let him know that his situation is a distraction for everyone. It's difficult to play with a guy that constantly reminds everyone that he wants out.

Of course, there is the chance that plan could backfire and cause a big rift in the media, but maybe Howard takes a step back from things and just allows the situation to play out.

Bring in Help

The Magic could take one last run at making Howard happy and potentially convincing him to stay in Orlando by getting him some help.

Of course, given Orlando's cap situation, they would have to be creative. But bring in a couple of pieces and start winning and, suddenly, the drama will die down.

Give in and Trade Him

At this point, you would hate to see the superstar get his way and for Smith to give in to Howard's demands, but to get the drama out of Orlando, he could always just send Howard packing.