NBA Trade Deadline: Orlando Magic Must Split with Dwight Howard Immediately
The Orlando Magic were nearly duped into keeping Dwight Howard, only to see him leave in the summer. The task at hand is to deal the Magic star before it's too late.
The last few weeks have seen the Magic tie themselves to Howard, and subsequently told the market they were indeed buyers not sellers at the deadline.
The confidence was shattered as the paranoia of losing Howard crept into the Magic front office. There was no bigger sign that Magic brass had lost their collective minds as when they reportedly offered their big man a say in who would coach the team.
ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher reported the Magic were ready to give Howard some immense power if he decided to stay in Orlando.
"One source close to the situation said the Magic have promised Howard that they will add a quality player before Thursday's deadline and he can decide the fate of both GM Otis Smith and coach Stan Van Gundy at the end of the season if he signs an extension.
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That is a line that should never be crossed. I would agree that some star players should be notified of deals and possibly even asked of their input, but giving them power to make moves in the organization is slippery slope that would end in disaster.
From there, it was only a matter of time until reports issued that Howard was indeed back on the market.
Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reported on a doomsday scenario wherein Howard was more content to live out his contract and sign with a fully staffed New Jersey Nets in the summer.
"It has turned into a complete ruse -- a misdirection play on his eventual signing with the Brooklyn-bound New Jersey Nets...Howard has created an illusion with the Magic that there are factors that could cause him to sign an extension with the team.
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You can't say that Howard was trying to pull a fast one because he has let the organization know for months that he wanted a trade over all other scenarios.
Finally, the Magic are taking the hint.
CBS Sports' Ken Berger reports the following:
"The Magic are coming to grips with the reality that they will have to trade Howard.
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The fear now is that the realization may come too late in the calendar with the trade deadline just a day away.
The Nets are well aware that they are the best partner to consummate a trade as all other teams are not willing to shed talent for a rental player that will no doubt leave in the summer.
Howard still wants to head to the Nets who are bound to open in Brooklyn with a new arena and a fresh look to the franchise.
The Magic dug their heels in with hopes they could salvage the relationship with the best center in the game. That hope clouded the reality that he was never going to stay in Orlando.
It's time to make a deal, and any would suffice as they are looking at losing Howard for nothing if the deadline passes with no trade in place.
