NBA Trade Rumors: Dwight Howard Must Force New Magic Regime to Make Quick Move

The Orlando Magic may or may not know what they are going to do with Dwight Howard, the All-Star center must make his intentions clear to the incoming regime—whoever that might be—to deal him as soon as they come on board. 

Last week, Chris Sheridan of SheridanHoops.com reported that the Magic were finally ready to deal Howard after weeks of speculation. 

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The source said that when Magic team president traveled to Michigan last weekend to speak in person with owner Rich DeVos, the conclusion was reached that not only was it time for Stan Van Gundy and Otis Smith to go, but Howard, too.

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Shortly after that report was released, sources told Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel that it was not true, but Howard does still want to be moved this summer. 

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Two sources familiar with the Magic's thinking said a report Thursday by the website Sheridanhoops.com that the team has decided to trade Howard is not true.

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Rumors continue to swirl that Howard wants to be traded — that he cannot be swayed to stay long-term by any new hire the Magic make.

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With so much garbage floating around, and no one being able to separate truth from fiction, Howard needs to take a stand when the new coach and general manager are brought in to settle this whole situation once and for all. 

The Magic know they can't go through this soap opera again; it took a toll on everyone in that organization, both physically and mentally. Howard can't play the hero in that city anymore. He is holding up a franchise, either deliberately or subconsciously just because he doesn't want to be the bad guy. 

Let's not forget what this whole situation has done to Howard. He created the problems for himself, but it can't be easy seeing and hearing all these things about you written on every corner of the Internet. He needs a fresh start in a new city, and that is why his first order of business with the new Magic regime must be telling them he doesn't want to be there any longer. 

The future is now for both Howard and the Magic, and the best thing for both parties would be for Howard to tell them he wants out as soon as possible. Given everything that has gone on between these two sides over the last year, it shouldn't be a hard sell. 

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