NBA Trade Rumors: Orlando Magic Must Deal Dwight Howard Soon

Now that the Orlando Magic have hired a new coach in Jacque Vaughn, the team needs to move Dwight Howard as quickly as possible.

ESPN's Chris Broussard reported that the star center had a meeting with general manager Rob Hennigan. Howard reiterated that he still wishes to be traded and that he has no intention of staying with the Magic after the 2012-13 season.

Based on this information, Orlando must get rid of him if it wants to have any success in the future. A new coach cannot step into this type of atmosphere and run the team effectively if there is a player that knows he is on his way out.

Instead, Howard will likely continue to set a bad example for his teammates and undermine any effort Vaughn makes to control the team. Even if the distraction is removed, the damage might be irreversible.

Fortunately, Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio heard from sources that the team is increasing their efforts to trade the three-time Defensive Player of the Year. Supposedly, he could be gone by "the end of next week."

This should be music to the ears of NBA fans who simply want to see an end to this saga.

Potential Dwight Howard deals have hit various snags throughout the past couple of months. He appeared close to joining the Brooklyn Nets recently, but the two sides ended talks after they could not agree on a fair trade.

The Houston Rockets have also been trying to gather pieces to make an offer for Howard, but Gery Woelfel of the Racine Journal-Times says that the team has "no chance now of obtaining him."

With all of these teams fading out, the Magic might have to accept a lesser package in order to make the move. While fans might be angry with Hennigan if he comes back without a host of draft picks and elite young talent, the team will be better in the long run.

Howard is one of the biggest stars in the NBA and would help any team become contenders. Unfortunately, he has handcuffed Orlando to have no choice but to get rid of him as quickly as possible. 

Sometimes addition by subtraction is what it takes to win in this league.

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