How Dwight Howard's Indecision Has Screwed the New Jersey Nets' Future

Did Dwight Howard's big decision need to reach this point?

This week, Howard's been quite indecisive concerning his future. Part of this is understandable—it's a monumental decision that impacts his long-term future, his hopes of winning a championship and his overall legacy. It's certainly a decision to be discerned wisely.

But it's also not the type of decision that should be flip-flopped like a frying pancake.

Unfortunately, this is what's happened. 

ESPN's Chris Broussard is now reporting that Howard is planning to stay in Orlando for next season and he will not exercise his opt-out clause.

This comes after he indicated on early Wednesday that he would not commit to next season. 

Howard's sudden change of heart has placed the emotions of numerous NBA teams on a roller coaster.

For the Magic, they thought on early Wednesday that they were placed in the situation where they would inevitably have to trade Dwight. They felt this pressure, but that soon subsided when Howard voiced his desire to stay after last night's game in San Antonio.

For teams desiring to trade for Howard, namely the New Jersey Nets, this has been more than a roller coaster of emotions. Yesterday there was surely excitement that Howard was on the market, and the main concern was whether their potential package of players would be enough to trump proposals sent from other teams.

But Howard had a change of heart and now the Nets are in quite an inconvenient position. They're now on a roller coaster they never wanted to be on.

This indecision by Howard, which has now culminated in his decision to stay in Orlando (but who knows if that will change in a couple minutes), presents the Nets with numerous disappointments and an imminent decision.

First of all, their dreams are shattered. The Nets' future hopes centered upon moving to Brooklyn and having Howard and point guard Deron Williams lead the team to the NBA pinnacle. This mission's been aborted.

Secondly, Dwight's decision to stay now puts the Nets in a predicament with what to do with Williams.

D-Will, who can opt-out of his contract this offseason, is most likely not interested in re-signing this summer if Howard is not going to be his partner. A year ago, the Nets traded promising big man Derrick Favors, guard Devin Harris and two first-round picks for Williams, and now Williams has no incentive to stay with the Nets beyond this year.

This is not what the Nets had in mind.

Lastly, Dwight's delayed decision (or indecision) with all of this places the Nets in panic mode.

The trade deadline is about to strike, and they might lose Williams for nothing come the summer. Therefore, they now either must scramble for a deal or hope they can somehow convince D-Will to re-sign in the summer. This is clearly not ideal.

Is it safe to say that Howard's indecision has screwed the Nets' future?

It sure looks like it, because what was a dream looking like it would become a reality yesterday has quickly turned into a nightmare situation today.

Sorry Nets fans, but your squad has unfortunately suffered from the ripple effects of the ongoing D12 saga.