NBA Trade Rumors: Is Dwight Howard Experiencing a Change of Heart With Magic?

So, maybe Dwight Howard is staying in the Sunshine State after all.

Howard addressed the media on Monday with comments that sound much better to Orlando Magic fans than what they’ve been hearing over the last week (courtesy of The Orlando Sentinel):

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As of right now, I have on a Magic uniform. Right? So I’m with nobody else, and that’s the only thing that matters. And if it’s meant for me to stay here then I’ll stay. And I love this city. There’s no place I’d rather be but here in Orlando. And I just want to make sure that we have the right things here so we can win a championship.

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It’s no secret that Howard isn’t pleased with the lack of stars surrounding him in Orlando. He wasn’t happy that the team used its amnesty on Gilbert Arenas, and probably wasn’t thrilled to be awakened in the middle of the night by a call from the former CEO of the team.

Yet the Magic have been able to re-sign Jason Richardson and bring in free agent Glen “Big Baby” Davis. While those names certainly aren’t Chris Paul or even Chauncey Billups, at least it’s a start. They are going to be a better team this season. The question is, how much better?

The Magic have one of the highest salary caps in the league and are trying their best to make moves without hitting the dreaded luxury tax, but clearly are limited at the moment but are willing to do what it takes to keep their franchise player.

The Lakers and Mavericks are not going to be able to pull off a deal that meets David Stern’s standards. The Nets would be a pure money grab for Howard.

Despite the bleak short term outlook on the team, Howard can finish what he started with the team that can give him the biggest contract (don’t forget about no income tax, too) and the opportunity to become an absolute legend in Orlando.

Or he can be the younger brother to the Knicks playing .500 ball in Brooklyn.

I think he’s beginning to realize that things aren’t always sunny on the other side.