NBA Rumors: Dwight Howard Could Still Re-Sign with Orlando Magic If Changes Made

Dwight Howard has officially re-opened the door to staying with the Orlando Magic, provided that changes are made.

This sentiment comes merely days after Howard reportedly requested a trade to the New Jersey Nets. Unless Howard's end-game here is to torture the Magic organization, his willingness to try and make it work in Orlando will comfort a great deal of Florida.

Howard sighted his trade request as a direct result of Orlando management not taking his advice when it came to roster moves. Now that the center hasn't ruled out remaining with the Magic though, perhaps he and Otis Smith have begun to repair their bruised relationship.

While the recent news should excite and give hope to enamored Magic fans, keep in mind that Howard has always been open to staying. He has made his feelings for the organization abundantly clear, so in essence, all this does is delay trade negotiations further.

Does this mean that Howard is going to bolt from Orlando the first chance he gets? Not at all, provided the organization seeks his advice more. But that being said, what is Howard going to advise them to do?

Jameer Nelson gives Howard a competent sidekick, and the center may even embrace Glen "Big Baby" Davis' arrival, as well as Jason Richardson's return, but what else can be done?

Monta Ellis and Josh Smith are players that Howard would certainly "advise" the Magic to pursue, but what assets does Orlando have to offer to fulfill such whimsical thinking?

The fact is that Smith and the rest of the front office can listen to what Howard thinks is best for the team all they want, but at the end of the day, what you see now, may be what you finish the season with.

So, is Howard's, for lack of a better phrase, change of heart exciting? Yes, but keep in mind it comes not only with the promise of involving Howard in the decision-making process more, but also the condition of "change."

And unfortunately, that's a condition the Magic are nowhere near well-equipped enough to meet. 

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