NBA Rumors: Pursuit of Steve Nash Isn't Enough for Magic to Keep Dwight Howard

The best way for the Orlando Magic to keep Dwight Howard is to surround him with elite talent so the team can win big, but landing Steve Nash before the NBA's March 15 trade deadline won't be enough to push the team to the top. 

At 38 years old, Nash is still a strong competitor capable of putting up solid numbers. There's no doubt he would instantly help the Magic, but they would need more than the aging point guard to win in the tough Eastern Conference. 

Since Howard is a free agent this summer, the Magic either need to trade him or find top-notch players to help the team win and keep their big man happy. 

It's doubtful that Orlando trades Howard away, especially with owner Richard DeVos Sr. stating he does not want to deal their best player. 

This would mean that the Magic have to be very active before the deadline, and one new rumor popping up has Nash potentially headed their way. 

Magic GM Otis Smith is apparently going after Nash with all his might, according to Jarrod Rudolph of RealGM.com:

"

Magic Rumor: I was told by multiple sources that Otis Smith will "aggressively" pursue Steve Nash before the trade deadline.

— Jarrod N Rudolph (@MisterRudolph) February 26, 2012"

A deal for Nash would be beneficial only for a short period of time, which is something Howard more than likely wouldn't be interested in. 

Since Nash is a free agent at the end of this season, it wouldn't be a surprise if he chose not to stay in Orlando if traded there. After all, at this point in his career, Nash is going to want to play with the team that gives him the best chance to win a title. 

That isn't the Orlando Magic. 

Trading for Nash would dismantle a part of the team and ultimately leave Orlando with a huge hole since both he and Howard would likely depart at the end of the year. 

With the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat surging, the only way the Magic are going to catch them is by adding superb talent. Nash isn't the right man for the job, which is why Orlando needs to forget about this possible deal.

Acquiring Nash is not going to persuade Howard to stick with the team, so making it will only do more harm than good.