Mapping out the Possibilities for Orlando Magic as Deadline Approaches

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, everyone associated with the game of basketball will keep watchful eyes on the Orlando Magic and what they decide to do with their All-NBA talent Dwight Howard.

The whole situation started a few years back, when Howard started complaining about the lack of talent on the roster. Despite still possessing a core similar to the one that made the NBA Finals in 2009, Howard has become desperate for Orlando to sign acquire another superstar to become his "sidekick."

Orlando has many others questions about its roster, but these problems must be put on hold until the Magic decide what they wish to do with their perennial All-Star.

So without further ado, here are the five options the Orlando Magic have in the waning hours before the league shuts down their option to orchestrate trades. 

Trade Dwight Howard for Young Talent

Despite Magic owner Rich DeVos saying he'd like to receive established veterans in any trade for Howard,  the organization absolutely needs to consider acquiring young talent instead.

By doing so, the Magic sets themselves up perfectly for a rebuilding period. Even though the team may not be competitive anymore, they can build rebuilt in much the same way that Oklahoma City has.

After the Thunder, or should I say the SuperSonics, drafted Kevin Durant, the team shipped away veteran Ray Allen and let star Rashard Lewis walk away in free agency. Because they "bottomed out," the team received a few more high lottery pick.

Now the team is arguably the best in the deep Western Conference.

A trade Orlando could make would be shipping Howard to the New Jersey Nets for the offensive-minded Brook Lopez and rookie MarShon Brooks.

Trade Dwight Howard for Established Veterans

If the Magic decide to exchange Howard for a package of established veterans, the organization should be able to retain its spot in the playoffs for a few more years. After all, they still possess many of the players that led that magical run to the NBA Finals in 2009.

Plus, the Magic may even be able to unload some of their cumbersome contracts in this trade scenario. Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Richardson and Glen Davis would be candidates to be shipped along with Howard.

An example of this type of trade would be Dwight Howard and Hedo Turkoglu going to the Los Angeles Lakers for Pau Gasol, Matt Barnes, Ron Artest and a few future picks.

Acquire Another Star to Appease Howard

Over the past few weeks, the Magic have been desperately trying to implement this option and acquire a "sidekick" for their franchise cornerstone. 

A few stars that have been linked to the Magic include Milwaukee's Stephen Jackson, Golden State's Monta Ellis and Atlanta's Josh Smith.

Even though the Magic have one of the deepest benches in the NBA, they have few players who possess any trade value due to their bloated contracts and inconsistent play. This has posed a problem in Orlando's hunt for a second star.

Stay Complacent and Hope He Decides to Stay

Despite being the least popular choice among fans, this may become a reality if no trades come to fruition in the next few days.

If Orlando's attempts to acquire another superstar or find the right deal fall flat, the Magic would retain Howard's services for the rest of this season and absolutely become the most scrutinized team in the league.

Not orchestrating a significant deal would be playing it safe, a mindset the Magic must avoid.

In the end, the Magic have many decisions to make and staying complacent could cause a decade of rebuilding.