Dwight Howard: Conflicting Reports Regarding D12's Option Create Deadline Drama
The Dwight Howard saga seems to change on an hourly basis, and will probably keep doing so until the dust settles from today's trade deadline. Even though the Orlando Magic are hopeful of keeping the All-Star center, there are varying reports about whether he's willing to stay.
Marc Stein of ESPN reports Howard is unwilling to sign an agreement to keep him in Orlando for at least another season.
"In a Wednesday night conference call with team officials before Orlando's game in San Antonio, after indications to the contrary earlier in the day, Howard firmly told the Magic he is not prepared to surrender the option in his contract that allows him to become a free agent at season's end.
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A source in Stein's article said he expects Howard to be traded to the New Jersey Nets. They have been on the defensive wizard's wish list since the beginning and are believed to have the pieces to get a deal done.
Stein speculates a lack of agreement on the opt-out clause will force the front office's hand because they can't risk losing him for nothing at season's end.
Another report, this one from Jarrod Rudolph of Real GM, says Howard will indeed sign a waiver to stay with the Magic through next season. While I would put a little more stock in the report from ESPN, these conflicting reports add to the chaos surrounding Howard with just hours to find a resolution.
"Howard confirmed to RealGM on Wednesday evening that he will terminate his early termination option and stay in Orlando for at least the 12-13 season.
Howard also realizes the impact that his indecision has caused and wants to make things right in the city that has watched him grow both professionally and personally since he came into the NBA in 2004 as the first overall pick.
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I'm still of the firm belief that a trade would be the best move for both sides. Howard is doing his best to play a public relations game by talking about his love for Orlando, but his actions throughout the season have been completely different.
Nobody who's happy with their current team creates a list of teams they would sign an extension with if a trade was completed. A player only does that if they actually want to be moved.
Signing an agreement to stay for another season doesn't solved anything. Actually, it would likely make things worse because the rumor mill would have another year's worth of Howard trade talk to throw around the ringer.
Both sides will benefit from a deal getting done. The Magic would rid themselves of a major headache and should still be able to land a nice package considering Howard's track record. Howard can finally discover if the grass is truly greener on the other side.
It's going to be an interesting deadline day to say the least. Don't be surprised if the Howard drama isn't resolved until the final moments before the window closes.
