Stop me if you’ve heard this before: Dwight Howard wants out of Orlando. The latest report comes from SheridanHoops.com which says Orlando’s firing of GM Otis Smith and coach Stan Van Gundy has no bearing on Howard’s future with the team. Chris Sheridan reports that Howard wants out of Orlando as much as he ever has.
A source who has spoken with Howard recently said the All-Star center desperately wants to be traded prior to the start of next season.
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The source said Howard wants out of Orlando more than he ever did before in order to start a new chapter of his career. And it is well-known throughout the league that the Magic do not want to endure another soap opera season like the one they just experienced.
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If Howard tells them he wants out, they are expected to try to accomodate him and deal him to the highest bidder.
Sheridan says the Magic would hope to include Hedo Turkoglu and his $23.6 million owed over the next two seasons in a potential Howard trade. The Nets are still the frontrunner for Howard, and their chances of acquiring him would increase dramatically if they land a top three pick in the draft lottery. If they land a pick fourth-or-lower, it would go to Portland because of the Gerald Wallace trade.
The Mavericks, Knicks, Clippers and Lakers were listed among the possible trade destinations for Howard.
Orlando would be foolish to try to hang onto Howard knowing he wants out. The best thing is to trade him before the season so they can start finally begin their inevitable rebuilding process. Hey, at least they made the Finals once with Dwight; they had a good run with him.
H/T I am a GM
