NBA Rumors: Stephen Jackson Trade Wouldn't Change Dwight Howard's Magic Future

The Orlando Magic are going to try everything possible to convince Dwight Howard to sign a long-term extension, but trading for disgruntled swingman Stephen Jackson would fall into the too little, too late category. It wouldn't be enough to change the All-Star center's future plans.

Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel reported on the trade rumor and says the team's failure to acquire Jackson during the offseason was key:

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You can connect the dots from there. The Magic did not acquire Jackson. He was traded from the Charlotte Bobcats to the Bucks, and that must have upset Howard. Indeed, this could be what Howard alluded to back in December when Howard said he was upset at General Manager Otis Smith for not obtaining the players Howard wanted.

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Jackson's playing time has dwindled as the Milwaukee Bucks have begun to spread his minutes among other players, so it's no surprise the veteran is seeking an escape plan. Not to mention, he would love to play for a contender.

That would make a move to Orlando seem like a perfect fit. While it would be for Jackson, it wouldn't be for the Magic. They are only looking to make changes that would prove to Howard they are committed to surrounding him with elite talent.

Trading for Jackson would come off as a last-second, full-court desperation heave—not something to change the course of the future for Howard or the Magic.

He's averaging just 11 points per game while shooting a dreadful 36 percent from the field. Both numbers represent his lowest totals in a decade. His best playing days are clearly behind him, and he certainly wouldn't be enough to push the Magic past the Heat or Bulls.

In reality, it's time for the Magic to realize Howard is 99 percent of the way out the door.

It would take a miracle for him to change his mind now since he seems convinced the grass will be greener with another franchise.

Otis Smith needs to realize those facts and start making a plan to trade Howard before losing him for nothing. It's understandable that he wants to give Howard every opportunity to change his mind, but trading for Jackson isn't going to make it happen.

Losing the team's best player without getting anything in return would be a disaster of major proportions. Not only would it put the team in a bad spot next season, but attracting free agents in the future would become more difficult after the entire Howard ordeal.

All Magic fans can hope is Smith figures that out before it's too late.