NBA Rumors: Stan Van Gundy Would Be Wise to Quit Before Magic Fire Him

The Orlando Magic may have plans to fire Stan Van Gundy during the offseason in order to appease Dwight Howard, but the coach shouldn’t give them that opportunity.

According to Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld.com:

"

A growing number of people within the organization believe that Van Gundy will quit after the season, mainly because he doesn’t want to go through the Howard circus again next season.

"

The rift between Van Gundy, Howard and Magic GM Otis Smith has been growing with each postseason failure, and the superstar center’s desire to be traded—and subsequent media frenzy—is a large reason why the coach should be fed up with his current job and decide to part ways.

Kennedy found that:

"

Sources close to the situation say that Van Gundy was ready for the organization to move Howard at the trade deadline so that the franchise could move on and once again focus on winning games. He’s not interested in going through that drama again next season.

"

It’s clear that the Magic brass will need to make major changes in order to appease Howard and convince him to stay past the 2012-13 season, even though the team is competitive this season.

The HoopsWorld report had an interesting tidbit about how Dwight presented the front office with a list of coaches he would rather play for than Van Gundy. It would be much easier for the organization to replace SVG as opposed to finding a fair deal for the reigning three-time Defensive Player of the Year.

Van Gundy is likely aware that he would be one of the most coveted coaches available and that a number of prominent teams will be in the market for his services, including the New York Knicks.

There is no reason the 52-year-old should put himself through another miserable season of inevitable trade rumors and speculation.

Van Gundy is too good of a coach and has earned too much respect around the league to allow that to happen, which is why he should resign if his team fails in the playoffs.

It would be the best move for his future and allow him to get the final say, avoiding the embarrassment of Orlando forcing him out the door for issues beyond his control.