NBA Trade Rumors: Shaq's Opinion on Dwight Howard Trade Is Absolutely Worthless

Dwight Howard doesn't know what he wants to do. He adds a new team to his wish list each and every week, but ultimately the New Jersey Nets and Los Angeles Lakers are the two most likely trade partners.

The Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks will have enough money to throw the necessary cash his way this summer if he plays out this season in Orlando.

One person who has been in this exact situation before had an interesting take on the Howard trade saga.

Future NBA Hall of Famer, former Magic star and current NBA analyst, Shaquille O'Neal, thinks Howard leaving Orlando would be a travesty, via ESPN: "You know hopefully he stays, because that arena there is one of the best arenas in the country," O'Neal said. "If he leaves, it'll be a travesty."

But Shaq sounds off and basically turns himself into a hypocrite:

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O'Neal also said Howard's situation is not like his was when he left for the Lakers in 1996, because he said he wanted to stay with the Magic but had a better option.

That's no longer possible, since the collective bargaining agreement allows the home team to offer the largest contract. So O'Neal thinks there may be an "underlying problem" that makes Howard reluctant to sign a contract extension there.

"I think they have to be a little bit worried that he hasn't committed to signing, so there may be an underlying problem of what's really going on," O'Neal said.

"I don't know if he doesn't like the organization, I don't know if he wants to go to a bigger city where he can get more endorsement deals, he can do movies. No one really knows the problem."

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When O'Neal left Orlando, he instantly became a fixture in the Western Conference playoffs, but he joined the Lakers because they offered him a seven-year, $121 million deal. The Magic offered a reported $115 million. He'll claim it had nothing to do with the money, but the Lakers didn't win an NBA title with the Hobo Master until 1999-2000 season—his fourth year with the team.

This is Howard's eighth season in Orlando. While the Magic have been regulars in the Eastern Conference playoffs, they've only advanced to the NBA Finals once. Howard's given them everything he has and then some, but this organization has yet to legitimately surround him with the talent necessary to win an NBA Championship.

What makes Howard believe the Magic will do it now?

The Lakers will be ready to compete for NBA titles. The Mavericks would be ready to win another championship with Howard in the middle. New Jersey would give him a new city and potentially an elite point guard, Deron Williams, that he's never had before. Even Boston would be able to compete with both he and Rajon Rondo on the same team.

Howard's decision ultimately shouldn't hinge on money—he'll get money wherever he goes—his decision hinges on where he's got the best chance to win immediately.

Shaq Diesel did star in movies when he moved to L.A. He did want the money, fame and publicity.

Howard, despite his relatively childish behavior so far this season, wants to play for rings immediately.

The Big Daddy's opinion, although that of a star who has been there before, is worthless because staying in Orlando would be the only decision driven by money. Loyalty may certainly play a factor, but the Magic are the one team with monetary leverage.

The Big Aristotle made that call years ago and his opinion on Howard now, calling it a "travesty" if he leaves, is utterly worthless.