NBA Trade Rumors: Dwight Howard's Change of Heart Is Bad for Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard is the most fickle athlete in the world right now, and the Orlando Magic are going to pay the price as a result. 

According to Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld, Howard informed the Magic that he is not going to opt out of his contract, which will keep him with the team through next season. 

"

Source says Dwight Howard met with Magic CEO Alex Martins and owner Rich DeVos this afternoon, informing them that he'll opt-in next season.

"

"— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) March 14, 2012"

He followed that tidbit of information up with this:

"

By the way, this came out of nowhere. Those close to Dwight Howard were STUNNED when he told them his decision this morning.

"

"— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) March 14, 2012"

As stunned as the Magic have to be about this latest development, it is not a time to start celebrating. Reportedly saying that he plans to stay with the team for one more season makes him look like a hero in the eyes of the fans, which is clearly something he cherishes. 

But think about what this does to the Magic this year and next year. They wanted to go after players at the deadline this year to improve the team, but were unable to because they had no assurances from Howard he was coming back. 

Howard reportedly tells them 24 hours before the deadline that he is going to stay, which means that general manager Otis Smith will be scrambling to find players to add before the 4 p.m. ET deadline. 

Plus, with Howard not giving the team any promises about a long-term contract, the Magic will have to go through this circus again next year. If they struggle out of the gate, the trade talks will keep growing, like they did this season. 

The upside is that the Magic will have $26 million coming off the payroll after this season, assuming they don't make any moves at the deadline, to give themselves a chance at adding a marquee player or two in free agency. 

There are a lot of "what if's" that go into the Magic keeping Howard for next season. Maybe he really does like Orlando, but if that's the case, why hasn't he signed an extension?

The Magic are obviously better with Howard in their lineup, but you have to wonder if they really want to go through this whole headache again next year if he doesn't sign an extension. 

Follow @adamwells1985