Dwight Howard: Orlando Magic Finally Take an Appropriate Tone

Although the Orlando Magic managed to buy themselves some time by securing Dwight Howard's commitment through the end of next season, they also only delayed a difficult decision and potentially positioned themselves to relive a nightmare.

Howard showed during the 2011-12 season that he's not the kind of player who can be trusted to approach free agency with any semblance of maturity, and the media mess surrounding Howard's desired destinations, frequent demands and persistent petulance took on a life of its own.

Howard's circus—an orchestration born of childishness and a lack of professionalism that was almost too absurd to believe—easily trumped the cyclone surrounding Carmelo Anthony's departure from Denver.

In retaining Howard, the Magic set themselves up for another season of elite play from one of the games top players, but also the potential to rehash the same media cycle, as Howard again holds the Magic hostage.

That's why Howard's decision to opt in—or not opt out, depending on how specific you are in your contractual rhetoric—was only the first step for Orlando; whether the Magic were set on picking up stray semi-stars to appease Dwight or trying to find him a suitable home without a ticking clock on their backs, the Magic's work had only just begun.

Which makes it rather reassuring to hear that Magic CEO Alex Martins—per David Baumann of BHSN & News 13 in Orlando (via PBT)—isn't content with Howard merely sticking around through next season:

"

I asked #Magic CEO Martins if he'll trade #dwighthoward: "We'll cross that bridge when it comes to it...#1 goal is to get him to sign ext."

— David Baumann (@DavidBaumann33) May 9, 2012"

"

#Magic CEO Martins told me on camera w @BHSN that #dwighthoward needs to sign long term extension or "necessary decisions will be made."

— David Baumann (@DavidBaumann33) May 9, 2012"

"

#Magic CEO Martins wants long term extension from #dwighthoward "so we don't go thru a season like we went thru this year," he told me.

— David Baumann (@DavidBaumann33) May 9, 2012"

Regardless of the Magic's decision, the far-more-important aspect of their process is its expediency.

If Howard isn't committed to the franchise long term, it would seem to be in Orlando's best interest to move him and be fully committed to doing so as soon as possible. If Howard is willing to stick around to help the Magic retool, then all the better to begin that process soon as well.

What will do the most damage is the frittering away of a season of opportunities; if the Magic again allow Howard to dictate the timeline and terms, they'll likely be left with no assets or leverage to speak of, and thus will be resigned to start their rebuild from scratch—just as soon as they can get rid of some of the dreadful contracts on their books.

Martins' stance is absolutely the right one, even in a superstar's league. This isn't about trading Howard anymore; it's about the future of the Magic organization, and the toll of a franchise idling by.