In a strange twist, Dwight Howard reportedly informed the Magic that he will not opt out of his contract after the season and that he will remain with Orlando next season.
WFTV in Orlando reported the news Wednesday, saying “Howard told the team of his plans during a meeting in San Antonio on Wednesday afternoon. They said Howard will opt in for the final year of his contract so long as the Magic do not trade him.
According to WFTV, “one source said Howard told teammates that he will stay through next year, but that he has not filed the required documents with the team, specifically the early termination option of his contract that need to be signed by him and his representatives.”
Both CBS’ Ken Berger and SI’s Sam Amick confirmed the report, but both stress that the team needs confirmation in writing that Howard will remain with them in order to stop seeking a trade.
Howard reportedly had been seeking a trade since the beginning of the season but one never materialized. After Orlando beat Miami Tuesday night, Howard said he was going to remain with the Magic for the rest of the season. Either he really hated feeling like the bad guy in Orlando, or the team’s recent success made him change his mind, because now he’s seemingly going to extend his stay with the team.
