NBA Trade Rumors: Latest Expert Reaction on Dwight Howard Rumors
The basketball world got turned upside down again this morning, as ESPN's Michael Wallace reported that Orlando Magic center and six-time All-Star Dwight Howard told team ownership that he wanted to remain with the team for the remainder of the season. This came after a season of trade rumors and speculation, all stemming from Howard's request to be traded to the New Jersey Nets at the start of the year.
"I told them I want to finish this season out and give our team, give our fans some hope for the future," Howard said. "But I feel they have to roll the dice. It might be tough, but I feel we've got a great opportunity. But they've got to roll it."
Keep in mind, Howard told this to the press after the Magic defeated the dangerous Miami Heat 104-98, in overtime, a game in which he scored 24 points and had an astounding 25 rebounds. From an outsider's perspective, it sounds as though he's feeling cocky after an epic victory and wants to get one more shot at a championship just so he'll have some big playoff money.
Howard may have indirectly confirmed that, adding that "we're going to hit our peak at the right time and we're going to make a good run."
However, let's not forget that in a report by Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, a league source claims that "Dwight's gone, and [Magic CEO] Alex Martins is the only person who doesn't believe that."
Wojnarowski then goes on to say that no matter what happens this year, Howard's plan is to sign with the Nets. As one official stated regarding Howard and the Magic, "He's going to [expletive] them."
And amongst what's become a ridiculous media circus, there is one voice of reason in the most unlikely place. That's right, ladies and gentlemen, I'm talking about ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, whose tweet last night says it all:
Mr. Smith, I've never agreed with you more. It's time for the Magic front office to stop acting like a group of naive teenagers who think that true love conquers all, or in this case thinking that Howard will remain loyal and stay in Orlando regardless of circumstance. Just trade the guy!
Brook Lopez is a fine center and three first-round picks are just what Orlando will need to start the rebuilding process. Otis Smith just needs to pull the trigger NOW.
Otherwise, it'll be just like Shaquille O'Neal's free agency all over again and in the end, the Magic will go from being majestic to just plain bland.
