NBA Trade Rumors: Orlando Magic Must End Dwight Howard Drama

Dwight Howard has changed his mind again.

The All-Star center has now reversed course, telling the Orlando Magic he wants to be traded to the Brooklyn Nets (via ESPN). This news comes after Howard had a face-to-face meeting with new Magic general manager Rob Hennigan on Friday. 

Howard agreed to opt-in to the final year of his contract before this year's trade deadline, but now claims he was blackmailed into doing so. 

This has to be the last straw for the Magic—they need to finally end the drama and find a way to ship Howard out of town.

Howard has essentially held the Magic hostage for almost a full year now. With a new general manager in place, it is time for Orlando to finally send Howard out of town while getting as much they can in return for him.

Don't get me wrong, Howard is an outstanding player, but enough is enough. Orlando must finally make a decision and move on from this era. 

The Nets may not have a package that will be big enough to land Howard, but that shouldn't stop the Magic from moving him. The Houston Rockets are reportedly interested as well and could possibly offer an attractive mix of young players.

Howard is 26 years old and is coming off another excellent season. This year he averaged 20.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and a career-high 38.3 minutes per game. But his 2012 campaign came to an end after back surgery in April, and back problems are never a good sign for big men.

The Magic have been on this roller coaster for so long that it finally needs to come to an end. 

The situation has just gotten ridiculous. Now is the time for Orlando to assess the best deal it can receive in exchange for Howard and finally make the move.