Dwight Howard: Magic Owner Admits He Doesn't Want to Trade Star Center

Orlando Magic owner Richard DeVos is doing his best to keep Dwight Howard in Orlando, and that includes showing the 26-year-old center how much he cares about him.

DeVos said before the Magic's game against the Miami Heat on Wednesday, via ESPN, "I don't want to trade him."

DeVos was also sure to put it out there that Howard is free to do whatever he wants, but he just wanted to let him know that he's a "great young man."

DeVos said:

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"You never give up. We've got a great talent, a great young man. He's got to look at his options (and) what's best for him and I have to tell him what I think is best for him. I'm selfish.

"The respect for people is fundamental. They have their interest where they want to go and they may or may not coincide with mine. Life goes on."

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Well, maybe if begging doesn't work, whispering sweet nothings into Howard's ears will. Hey, it's worth a shot.

The 85-year-old owner is aware Howard has publicly requested a trade, but he's certainly determined to change the big man's thinking.

After all, the Magic are 16-10 after their 102-89 shocking victory over the Miami Heat on Wednesday. That's a good start.

Howard has made it known that he wants to go to a contender, especially while he's in his prime and poised to lead a team to a championship. And it's become clear that while a lot of money wouldn't hurt, his primary focus is winning a title.

In that sense, the best way to keep Howard in Orlando is to surround him with sufficient talent, which the Magic organization has failed to do the last two seasons. That's why it's hard to see him sticking around. He's frankly given the Magic a chance to make good and the team has yet to do that. He needs more assurances than having potential on the team.

But one thing's for sure: There has been no lack of effort on DeVos' part to keep Howard in Orlando.

DeVos said of talks with Howard and his reps:

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"We like to think we're making headway. But I don't know. He probably won't know until the end and I won't either."

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"The end"—that's what DeVos and the Magic organization are trying to avoid.