NBA Trade Rumors: Orlando Magic Deny Dwight Howard to Lakers Rumor

A three-team trade that would send Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard to the Los Angeles Lakers has been denied by Magic CEO Alex Martins according to the Orlando Sentinel.

The denied trade would have sent Howard to the Lakers along with Hedo Turkoglu and Jameer Nelson. In return, the Magic would receive both Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. The Toronto Raptors were the third team in the deal and they would have sent Jose Calderon to the Magic. It is still unknown what they would have received.

The Magic seemed to have switched gears with Howard, as they are now trying to keep him in Orlando and trying to convince him to stay. It was rumored that GM Otis Smith is pursuing Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash.

It is hard to figure out why the Magic would deny this trade as they would get plenty in return. Gasol and Bynum have both proven that they can be great assets to any team and can help bring a championship to Orlando. Also, the Magic would get a solid point guard in Calderon to replace Nelson.

The deal even helps them financially as they will be able to get rid of Turkoglu's large contract.

The denial is a surprising move for the Magic, who earlier in the year wanted Gasol and Bynum, but the Lakers wouldn't budge.

As for the Lakers, this move seems somewhat questionable. Getting rid of two great big men for one great center seems risky. However, the Lakers know they have to make moves if they want to win a championship this year. Bringing in Howard helps accomplish that.

It also helps them for the future. Having Howard on the team, along with Kobe Bryant, will attract other players to join the Lakers. Free agents such as Deron Williams would love the opportunity to play alongside Howard in the future and help Bryant win another championship to finish his career.

As the season goes along, it seems like the Magic are trying harder and harder to keep the All-Star center in Orlando. However, this will probably not change Howard's mind. He wants to be in a big market and he wants to be with another superstar player. That is something he cannot get in Orlando.

The Magic have to realize that even getting Steve Nash will probably not keep Howard in a Magic uniform and they need to cut ties. They need to look at what their roster would look like if this trade did happen, and ask themselves if they are better by trading Howard.

Bynum, Gasol, Anderson, Reddick and Calderon would be the most likely starting five. That is a team that is already a playoff contending team. The Magic would still have to add some more pieces but they would be in good shape.

As for the Lakers, fans want to see Howard in a Laker uniform but they don't want them to give up too much. If LA did get Howard, it would take away their size advantage, but in return give them a defensive stud. It would also solve their point guard problems. Nelson is not the greatest point guard, but he is a solid one who can help the team. If he does not pan out they can still grab a free agent like Williams and trade Nelson for draft picks.

This trade seemed like a good fit for both teams involved.

As for the Raptors, we would have to wait and see what they would have gotten. The Magic have to realize that they are not keeping Howard for the future and if they have a chance to get Gasol and Bynum they need to take it.