Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Source Says D12 Desperately Wants Out of Orlando

The Orlando Magic organization has done everything in its power to appease Dwight Howard. Apparently, that still isn’t enough.

On Monday, the Magic seemingly caved in to Howard's incessant and childish demands by firing head coach Stan Van Gundy and deciding to part ways with GM Otis Smith (which was long overdue anyway), per the Associated Press.

Despite the decidedly pro-Howard actions by the front office, Chris Sheridan of SheridanHoops.com is reporting that the superstar center is more ready than ever to leave town and join a new franchise:

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A source who has spoken with Howard recently said the All-Star center desperately wants to be traded prior to the start of next season.

And although the Brooklyn Nets are still considered the frontrunner, “it is not going to be a one-horse race,” the source said, listing the Mavericks, Knicks and — to a lesser degree — the Clippers and Lakers as among the destinations that would appeal to Howard.

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With trade drama starting back up just over one month after Howard opted in for the 2012-13 season, the Magic clearly need to shop their superstar player and ship him to the highest bidder available as soon as possible. 

They have an ideal opportunity to land a new coach and GM that can be installed with the knowledge that D12 will not be a part of their plans going forward. A clean break from the Howard era is the fresh start that Orlando desperately needs. 

There is no point in letting Dwight have any more pull in the front office. Allowing him any input whatsoever on who the team will choose to fill the vacant positions would only set this franchise back.

The only say the 26-year-old deserves should concern which team he will sign an extension with. Regardless, that will not be the Magic’s problem and it’s worth it for them to get rid of the distraction.

It’s high time for the organization to find a competent GM who can generate a reasonable offer for the disgruntled big man and send him packing.