Magic Trade Rumors: Orlando Would Be Smart to Keep Dwight Howard
Despite all of the ongoing drama involving Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic, the team is better off holding on to their star center.
After a year of trade talks, ESPN's Chris Broussard reported on Tuesday that the team may keep Howard.
The Magic are a better team with him, so it does the team no good to settle for a deal that does not help them. The Brooklyn Nets, according to ESPN's Ric Bucher, are no longer involved in trade talks for Howard and do not have the assets to trade at this time.
Last season did not go the way the team had hoped, and it involved Howard missing the playoffs after undergoing back surgery. Teams may be unwilling to deal for Howard until he proves the back injury is no longer an issue.
With new management and coach, the team will be better off holding on to its center. Howard did not get along with former coach Stan Van Gundy, but there is a chance he could flourish in a new coach's system.
Although they have yet to name a head coach, it is a sign they are trying to please Howard. Broussard mentions Jacque Vaughn is the favorite to land the job, and it could persuade the team's star to change his mind.
In recent memory, teams have struggled to contend after a star player left the team. The Cleveland Cavaliers have yet to rebound after LeBron James left in free agency, and the Toronto Raptors have finished near the bottom of the league since Chris Bosh went to Miami.
Unlike those situations, the Magic have to deal with a player who has expressed his desire to be traded.
Under a new regime, point guard Jameer Nelson will return to his All-Star form. If Howard returns for next season, the duo will lead the team back to the postseason.
No deal would bring back fair value for Howard because he is the best big man in the league. With Andrew Bynum unwilling to sign an extension, according to Broussard, with Orlando, they would find themselves in the same situation if they dealt Howard for Bynum.
Since Howard and Deron Williams would flourish in Brooklyn, any first-round picks sent to Orlando would end up being late in the draft.
The Magic need to hold on to their center and hope to keep him long-term.
He has made it public that he would like a trade, but he could change his mind after playing with the team in the winter. Howard has given no indication that he would hold out, so a quick start by the Magic could influence his decision.
After going through similar drama last season, Howard willingly gave up his right to become a free agent and stay with Orlando for another season. This offseason full of rumors and failed attempts to find a new home will help the Magic convince Howard to consider a long-term deal.
By Howard staying in Orlando for the time being, the Lakers can try to re-sign Bynum and get out of the Howard sweepstakes. The team will benefit from waiting because other teams will turn to other players to fill needs.
While it is not an ideal situation to be in, the Orlando Magic need to hold their ground and try to convince Howard to sign a long-term extension.
