NBA Trade Rumors: The Latest on the Dwight Howard Sweepstakes

Orlando Magic superstar Dwight Howard has backed off his trade request a bit, and the chances of him staying in Orlando for now seem better on Tuesday than they did last week.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst tweeted the following Sunday:

The Magic do not appear willing to trade Howard currently, and will likely look for ways to improve the team to Howard's liking in attempt to convince him to stay.

Howard said via ESPN:

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"I love this city, there is no place I'd rather be but Orlando," Howard said. "I just want to make sure we have the right things here so we can win a championship. I'm all about change. If you're willing to change and you're willing to do what it takes to win then, you know, you got me."

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This is a smart move by the Magic. There was no reason to overreact to a trade demand or anything like that. With Howard, the team is a contender in the East, and they have the only player in basketball who dominates at both ends of the floor every night. Orlando is only a few players away from being a legitimate NBA Finals contender.

New Magic CEO Alex Martins feels good about working with Howard to get him to remain with Orlando.

"I'm an optimist," Martins said.

"I am confident that we can work with Dwight and convince him to stay here long-term."

Martins and the Magic have made a few nice moves to improve the Magic so far this offseason. They acquired forward Glen Davis in a trade with the Boston Celtics in exchange for Brandon Bass, then signed "Big Baby" to a four-year deal. The team also re-signed Jason Richardson to a four-year deal. If the team can make a few more moves, they will have a chance to compete for a title this season.

If the team does look to trade Howard if it becomes clear his future in Orlando does not look good, there are a few teams he is willing to be dealt to.

According to ESPN's Chris Broussard, Howard has limited his potential suitors to just four NBA teams, including the Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, New Jersey Nets and Dallas Mavericks.

Out of those teams, the Nets can offer the best package for Howard. In addition to quality young center Brook Lopez, New Jersey can offer the Magic three first round picks in this year's draft.

These picks are quite attractive because the depth and talent of this year's class is amazing, so the Magic could acquire three solid players with those three picks.

For now, it is likely that the Magic go into the season and look to acquire pieces to fit around Howard and make the team a Finals contender.

If Orlando waits until the trade deadline to move Howard, if that is ultimately the decision they make, they could get offers not just from teams looking to acquire the star for the future, but also teams looking to get him as a rental for a championship run as well.

Nicholas Goss is an NBA Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report.

Follow @NicholasGoss35