NBA Trade Rumors: With Chris Paul to Clippers, Dwight Howard Will Be Dealt

The rumored deal that we thought would go down a week ago—but didn't, because David Stern was on his high horse—was struck last night, with Chris Paul being dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers. With that big chip off the board, which marquee player will be on the move next?

The only other superstar on the block, at least that we knew of, was Dwight Howard. However, according to Chad Ford and Marc Stein of ESPN.com, the Magic have ended trade discussions for the superstar center. 

Meanwhile, there is a report from David Pingalore, who works for a local television station in Orlando, which suggests otherwise. According to Pingalore, Howard's agent Dan Fegan is pushing Magic general manager Otis Smith hard to make a deal, insisting that "staying (in Orlando) is not an option."

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Pingalore also learned that Howard's flip-flopping of possibly staying with the Magic is a ploy to steer the criticism off of the All-Star center. The sources say Howard is growing tired of not yet being traded.

Pingalore's sources used the term that Fegan is "strong-arming" the Magic to make a trade, with Howard's first choice being the New Jersey Nets.

On Wednesday, a trade rumor on ESPN.com was nothing but a decoy stirred up by Howard's agent, according to Pingalore's sources. They confirm the so-called multi-team trade that would send Howard to New Jersey, and also involving Portland's Gerald Wallace coming to Orlando, was made up by Fegan.

The sources believe that Fegan is trying to create a buzz for his client, Howard, in order to pressure a trade.

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While I do trust ESPN's reporting, I can't help but think there might be something more to what Pingalore is saying. 

All that we have heard for the longest time was that Howard would not be signing an extension with the Magic. He wanted to be traded, but now he's had a change of heart?

While the Nets are reportedly Howard's preferred destination, don't be surprised if the Lakers make a push for the superstar center. After all, as Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Times wrote even before the Paul-to-Clippers deal occurred, they are in trouble. 

Something is going to give with Howard, even if it doesn't happen immediately. 

Despite the reports that the Magic don't plan on moving Howard now, there is no way this team can ride out the next three months before the trade deadline with a player that doesn't want to be there. 

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