Dwight Howard: Moves Magic Must Make to Keep Superman Long-Term

The Orlando Magic now have a full year to make the most of Dwight Howard's decision to waive his opt-out clause. 

Unfortunately, there is a chance of the Magic and Howard going through the exact same thing again next season, and Orlando would only have themselves to blame if that were to play out.

The Magic didn't get everything that they wanted, but they earned themselves another year to earn Howard's long-term commitment.

That process begins now by running as deep into the playoffs as possible.

As for the roster, they have plenty of work to do.

Make Hedo Turkoglu Disappear

The Magic are on the hook for $23.6 million over the next two years with Turkoglu, the latter of which is a player option.

He's not a terrible role-player, but he's far from a $10-12 million man. As long as they have his contract on the books, along with Dwight's $19.26 for 2012-2013, they're financially handicapped. 

Get the Most out of Ryan Anderson

This could go both ways. Anderson has a qualifying offer up next year at $3.2 million. He's the team's second-leading scorer and rebounder and has improved each and every year.

He could look for big money and the Magic have to decide if he's one of the guys they can keep around to help Dwight, or if he's worth more as a trade chip. 

Fire Stan Van Gundy

Dwight Howard has officially proven throughout this process that he's not one that likes to be challenged. He wants to be loved and is terrified of being hated. One could almost interpret it as wanting to be coddled and SVG is not a guy that will do that in any way.

Unless the Magic win the title this year, keeping SVG would be a mistake if this organization wants their superstar to stick around beyond next season. 

Give Dwight Some Power

There were reports that the Magic went as far to say they'd allow Howard to decide the fates of SVG and GM Otis Smith.

Let's be honest, this organization hasn't done a great job of surrounding D12. If they want to show him he's everything, then he needs to be consulted.

That isn't easily done, though, and Howard hasn't proved himself capable of making tough decisions at all. It is a risk the team may have to take. 

Find Another Superstar

There is no telling what will happen with Deron Williams this summer because a trade for Gerald Wallace alone isn't going to be enough to keep him in New Jersey (soon to be Brooklyn).

More than likely, it is a play by the Nets to make a run at Howard again during the draft.

The Magic need to head that off early and start making moves of their own. That all starts with getting rid of bad contracts.

There is no guaranteeing that Dwight Howard will stick around, but the Magic need to learn from their mistakes and make some moves to keep him happy with this second chance.