NBA Trade Rumors: 10 Reasons Dwight Howard Won't Be Going Anywhere

A central story, perhaps the central story, to this lockout-shortened NBA season has been the trade buzz surrounding Dwight Howard. Rumors have run rampant and avid fans have regularly ventured to ESPN's Trade Machine to concoct blockbuster scenarios.

Will he join the soon-to-be Brooklyn Nets? Will owner Mark Cuban lure him to Dallas? Will he go from Disney World to Disney Land just like Shaquille O'Neal? Will he join league MVP Derrick Rose on the surging Chicago Bulls?

These are just a handful of the thoughts that have gripped NBA fans.

With the trade deadline quickly approaching on Thursday, there's actually a strong chance that Howard will remain with the Orlando Magic for the rest of the season, and maybe longer. In fact, there are a handful of reasons why this is a strong possibility.

Here are ten reasons why Dwight Howard won't be going anywhere.

Player Option for 2012-2013

Howard carries a player option for 2012-2013, in which he would earn over $19 million.

There is reason to think that he will consider accepting this option, because this scenario would make Howard eligible for a maximum starting salary of about $20.5 million in 2013-2014, which is greater than what he could make if he signed an extension after this season.

This could end up being the most practical decision for Howard, as it would be a financially prudent decision while also giving him more time to consider his future.

Orlando surely recognizes this situation, and it will very likely contribute to their hesitancy to deal Howard by Thursday's deadline. 

Money

The beginnings of certain financial complexities were described in the previous slide, but according to the Orlando Sentinel, the details run much deeper.

When the trade deadline strikes later this week, the team that possesses Howard will be the only team able to offer him a five-year deal with annual raises of 7.5 percent of his maximum first year salary of almost $19 million.

Other teams will be limited in their pursuit of Howard. While other teams could still offer him a maximum first year salary of $19 million, they will only be able to provide 4.5 percent annual raises.

There's no need to bore you with more financial details, but the point is this: if the Magic retain Howard through the trade deadline, they can then soon present the most financially alluring long-term offer.

While money wasn't the ultimate factor for the "Big Three" in Miami, it would be foolish to believe that it doesn't play a factor at all, and in that regard, the Magic have an edge if they hang onto him.

Expiring Contracts of Jameer Nelson and J.J. Redick in 2013

Jameer Nelson and J.J. Redick both possess sizable contracts that will come off the books after the 2013 season.

The Magic may elect to retain Howard this week and convey to him their intention to substantially upgrade the roster after the 2013 season, when the financial flexibility will be there.

If Orlando can give convince Howard to stay, it's only a matter of time before elite players land in Orlando. A young point guard such as Brandon Jennings would surely love to one day team with Howard, and these hopes are possibilities after the Magic shed the salaries of Nelson and Redick when the 2013 season concludes.

This hope could be enough for the Magic to hold onto Howard, and it could even be enough to persuade him to remain in town for years to come.

Brook Lopez?

Amidst all the trade rumor buzz, the main rumored destination has been the New Jersey Nets, who will soon relocate to Brooklyn.

This potential, however, is contingent upon Nets center Brook Lopez, who would be shipped to Orlando for Howard and is virtually the only highly desirable trade asset the Nets possess (not considering point guard Deron Williams).

There are major concerns with Lopez, though. He's played in only five games this year due to a stress fracture and now a sprained ankle. Is it safe to label Lopez as injury-prone?

These worries present a red flag for the Magic. If they trade Howard, they will want a reliable young player (or two) to build around for the future. It's questionable if Lopez can be this type of guy.

No Deal to Be Had

The Magic will likely not receive any compelling offers for Howard this week.

Teams would rather pursue him via free agency when they won't have to cut ties with numerous core pieces to acquire the dominant center.

For instance, a team like Dallas doesn't figure to make a play for Howard prior to the trade deadline, but will almost certainly be a player for him come free agency. 

A handful of teams will simply elect to wait until free agency to make a major run at Howard, and this could very well mean the Magic won't find a deadline deal that's enticing.

The Magic Could Land Steve Nash

The Magic could very easily decide to go "all-in" this year and seek to add pieces to complement Howard.

This will become a distinct possibility if the Suns make Steve Nash available via trade. There have been rumors conveying the interest of the Magic in acquiring Nash. If Phoenix does agree to deal their veteran point guard, the Magic will likely hop on this potential ASAP.

The question is if the Magic have the pieces to land Nash. Are the Suns impressed with 23-year old sharp-shooting big man Ryan Anderson? If so, the Magic could be on their way to gaining an All-Star point guard to go along with Superman.

The addition of Nash would certainly influence Howard's long-term decision about his future in Orlando. 

Weather

There's been speculation that Dwight Howard doesn't want to play in a cold weather city, which casts doubt over several rumored destinations (i.e. New Jersey, Chicago).

With this in mind, the Magic may hope the weather of their city helps provide reason for Dwight to stick around the Sunshine state.

While this is most likely not a make or break issue, it still presents yet another reason why Dwight might stay put.

Howard Wants to Be "the Man"

All indications imply that Dwight Howard wants to be "the man" throughout the prime of his career. Again, this casts doubt over the likelihood of several teams in acquiring the All-Star center.

The Chicago Bulls appear to be a great fit for Howard, but there are concerns that Howard wouldn't like taking a backseat to league MVP Derrick Rose, a native Chicagoan who will be the team's marquee player for years.

This worry will likely scare a team like the Bulls away.

On the side of the spectrum, Orlando would keep Howard as their featured player, as he has been his entire career. Not to say this could not also happen in other locations, but Howard is already a brand in Orlando.

Superstars Are Rare

Let's be honest, how often do players with the skill set of Howard come around?

If the Magic trade him and acquire a player like Brook Lopez, does that really do much for the Magic organization? Yes, Lopez can speed-up the rebuilding process, but he's not a championship caliber player.

Howard is a unique player, and while we've seen other superstars spurn their teams (LeBron), it does make sense for Orlando to hold out and hope that Dwight will be different.

Hope

Orlando Magic general manager Otis Smith surely knows that if they can keep Howard, Orlando's championship aspirations are much more realistic.

If they trade Dwight, the rebuilding process will take years and with teams like Miami, Chicago and New York on the rise, the hopes of the Magic reaching prominence will become all the more difficult.

Even if the Magic trade Howard and acquire a handful of solid young players, they're still going to be years away from competing with Chicago or Miami.

Why not hold onto the hope that Howard decides to stay in Orlando long-term? What do you have to lose?

If they can convince him to stay, quality supporting players will soon follow and the Magic will certainly have a chance to hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy.

This hope alone could provide enough reason for the Magic to turn down offers this week, and the quality of player that Howard is warrants such a move.