NBA Rumors: Orlando Magic Would Be Dumb To Move Dwight Howard Before Deadline

It appears more and more likely that the Orlando Magic and center Dwight Howard will be parting ways in the near future.

Judging by the latest rumors that the New Jersey Nets could be closing in on a deal for Howard, makes me wonder what all the rush is on behalf of the Magic.

Howard is quite possibly the premier big man in the game today and while he's creating quite the buzz at the moment on the trade market, the magic would be wise to hold onto him for the time being.

Unless Orlando GM Otis Smith is completely blown away by a trade offer for Howard, it makes no sense to deal him before the this season's trade deadline.

By holding onto Howard for a few months, the demand for him is going to go up.

If they don't get the offer they want now, they have time to wait it out until they get that offer. A talent like Howard demands three things in return: good young players, cap relief and high draft picks. Until they get that in a deal, they would be dumb to move Howard.

Smith has claimed before that they will search out the best basketball deal and not just keep things limited to Howard's trade demands. Now is the opportunity to prove that. He doesn't have to wait all the way up until the deadline. By all means if he gets the right deal then he should take it.

But there is a big difference between the right deal and the best deal being offered.

Of course, the opposite could be true too and if the Magic get off to a good start then Howard could possibly decide to stay in Orlando. Then Smith would need to try and improve the current team around him.

Either way, there is no rush on dealing Howard. The Magic have time. They need to put it to good use.