Dwight Howard Saga Continues with Report D12 Wants Magic to Trade Him to Nets

The NBA offseason has been filled with speculation on what will happen to Dwight Howard. The speculation started prior to the strike-shortened season with his request to be traded to the then-New Jersey Nets. 

ESPN's Chris Broussard is reporting that Dwight Howard has, once again, asked to be traded to the Brooklyn Nets.

"

Dwight Howard met with new Magic GM Rob Hennigan Friday in LA. Howard told Hennigan he wants to be traded to Brooklyn Nets, sources say.

— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 1, 2012"

Broussard also reports that Hennigan is noncommittal on whether he will deal Howard or have him play out the season. The goal of the meeting was simply for the new GM to hear Howard's thoughts on the 2012 season.

Howard is at least partially responsible for the circus that has followed him this offseason. 

On March 15th, a day after claiming he did not want the Magic to trade him, Howard picked up his option for the final year of his contract.

He is scheduled to make nearly $20 million in the final year of the five-year, $80 million extension he signed in 2007.

Since activating the final year, though, his relationship with the Orlando front office has soured. He's gone so far as to claim the Magic blackmailed him into activating the option year.

Howard has sought relief from the NBA Players Association, but they currently have no plans to intervene.

Sources have also reported that former Magic GM Otis Smith agreed to seek a trade to the Nets. Smith was fired shortly after the Magic's 2012 season ended.