NBA Trade Rumors: NY Post Says Magic Not Interested in Lakers C Andrew Bynum

According to a Western Conference executive who spoke with Peter Vecsey of the New York Post, the Orlando Magic are not interested in an Andrew Bynum-for-Dwight Howard swap.

This could be horrible news for the Los Angeles Lakers, as this probably eliminates them from the Dwight Howard sweepstakes.

Sure, the Lakers may be able to sign Howard this summer in free agency if they open up some cap space, but it appears that the New Jersey Nets and Dallas Mavericks, the two other teams on Dwight's preferred destinations list, seem to be the more appealing options.

Not only would he be able to team up with superstar Deron Williams in New Jersey, but he would also be the team's first option on offense.

According to Jarrod Rudolph of RealGM, Kobe Bryant told Howard that he would not even be the team's third scoring option, as he envisions "Superman" as the Lakers' Tyson Chandler. Kobe reportedly went on to say that Los Angeles would be Howard's once both Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant decide to call it quits.

Since LA looks like it's out of the picture, Dwight Howard could always decide to take the "unconventional" road and stay in Orlando. Leaving O-Town for another max-contract deal would cost the superstar nearly $30 million.

Nonetheless, GM Otis Smith and the Orlando Magic still have a job to do this season and that is to determine if trading Howard is in the best interest for the organization going forward.

According to Vecsey, an Eastern Conference GM thinks the New York Knicks are inquiring about adding the All-NBA talent. SI's Chris Mannix believes the Nets are working on constructing a more enticing multi-team trade offer for the center.

At the end of the day, no deal has come to fruition yet, but the Orlando Magic would be wise to keep an open mind on all trade offers for their star. After all, the franchise definitely doesn't want to "pull a Cleveland" and lose their superstar for nothing.

Follow Hunter Konsens on his brand new twitter for breaking news, alerts, and scores! 
http://twitter.com/#!/KONS0