NBA Trade Rumors: Magic Would Be Foolish to Move Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard has the option to terminate his contract with the Magic after the 2011-12 season and become a free agent. As HoopsWorld and many others have noted, that prospect may convince the Magic to deal Howard rather than find themselves in the same boat as the post-LeBron Cavaliers.

However, Howard has stated more than once that he’s loved playing in Orlando and would be happy to re-sign, provided that the Magic can give him a shot at the championship ring he covets. With even that slim hope on the table, the Magic would be making a mistake to deal Howard.

Howard is just shy of his 26th birthday, and is—by leaps and bounds—the best center in basketball. It is categorically impossible to get equal value in a trade for a player in his situation.

Consider some of the names that have been floated as Orlando acquisitions in such a trade: Andrew Bynum? Monta Ellis? Even with other respectable players thrown into the deal, the Magic would suffer such a steep dropoff in overall talent that they would still fall out of Eastern Conference contention.

With that situation in mind, the Magic must take every shred of an opportunity to re-sign Howard, while accepting the possibility of losing him as a free agent. Whether Howard departs by trade or free agency, the team is doomed either way, so the only viable approach is to play the re-signing option to the hilt.

The near-certain free-agent departure of Jason Richardson will make it exceedingly difficult for the Magic to become a serious contender this season, but that may not be a requirement for keeping Howard in town.

If Orlando can take advantage of the amnesty clause (expected to be a part of the new CBA) to jettison Gilbert Arenas’ albatross contract, they’ll have the flexibility to make a meaningful signing or trade that will show Howard they’re committed to moving in the right direction.

Orlando may well lose in the end if they try to retain Howard. They cannot help but lose if they trade him.