NBA Rumors: Will Dwight Howard Remain with the Orlando Magic?

The game of NBA musical chairs is in full swing, with Dwight Howard left to make a very hard decision. Faced with the conundrum of whether to stay or to go, Howard will choose to stay, at least for this season. 

We are so caught up in the Chris Paul and Dwight Howard craze that we sometimes forget that their situations couldn't be more different. 

Paul is gone. You may as well take down the name placard above the locker before the preseason really gets going because this man has all but checked out. 

John Reid of The Times-Picayune reports the following: 

"

The Chris Paul era in New Orleans could be ending as early as this weekend if Hornets general manager Dell Demps can find adequate value in trading the four-time All-Star point guard. 

"

Paul has made it no secret that he wants a change of scenery and nothing short of a miracle will change that fact. As for Howard, the situation is far more grey than the Magic front office would like. 

Orlando doesn't want to lose Howard. However, they would love to have an idea of where his head is at. The Hornets do have one thing going for them, and that's the opportunity to get something in return for Paul. 

Simply, I see Howard destroying the Orlando Magic. He won't do it out of malice, but by the inability to make a decision in December, opting to most likely make one in the summer. 

First, we have a great deal of good news for Magic faithful. Dave Baumann of Bright House Sports Network reports Howard wants to stay in Orlando. 

The report states the following: 

"

Howard's hope is for Magic president Otis Smith to "hit a home run" via trade and acquire another NBA superstar, most notably Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets. Monta Ellis of the Golden State Warriors was another name also mentioned.  The source wished to remain anonymous.

"

Well, there you go. Howard was not satisfied with the Magic turning over the franchise last season, so why not pull off another blockbuster trade. 

Look, I have no doubt that Howard's heart is in the right place, but this wreaks of disaster. With no definitive answer as to whether Howard will stay, the Magic are forced to keep their big man. 

The nightmare would be sending him off only to hear months later that he would have stayed. Second would be to keep him for a year only to lose in the playoffs to a better team. 

Without an extension, the bad taste of failure in Howard's mouth will send him to the highest-bidding contender. 

I don't see the Magic making a huge move for Paul when they are tied up with so many horrible contracts already. I also don't see Howard staying in Orlando for long.

Savor these next few months, because they will be the last that Howard spends with the Magic.