Dwight Howard could still stay with the Orlando Magic – NBA Update
A day after publically demanding a trade from Orlando Magic, super star centre Dwight Howard declined to rule out anything on his future, including prolonging his stay at the Orlando Magic.
The six times All-Star is in great demand across the NBA and several big teams are weighing up their options to get him either this season, or at the end of it.
Howard just recently expressed a desire to be traded because he thinks he doesn’t foresee a real chance of winning an NBA World Championship with the Magic next season. His declaration sent the alarm bells ringing within the organization
and led to a scramble for his signature outside it, but the centre could yet overturn his decision.
Howard has time and again stressed his love for the city and the community and it is that love that could yet make him stay with the Magic, if they were ready to make some drastic changes. Howard wants some serious movement in
the transfer market and desires colleagues that can help him win the ultimate prize.
"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."
New Magic CEO Alex Martins held a discussion with Howard when he arrived at Amway Center Monday morning and convinced the star to stay with the team. Talking to reporters, he expressed hope that he would be able to make the conditions
conducive for Howard to prolong his affiliation with the franchise.
"I'm an optimist," Martins said. "I am confident that we can work with Dwight and convince him to stay here long-term."
Dwight obviously cares about the city and the franchise. He has done a lot of philanthropic work in and around Orlando and has always insisted he can make his destiny with the team. The side’s poor showing last year, when they
crashed out in the first round of the NBA playoffs to the Atlanta Hawks have made things much more difficult for Howard, but at the moment, he still hasn’t shut the door on the club.
"As of right now, I have on a Magic uniform," Howard said, touching the logo on his chest. "I'm with nobody else."
Magic has so far not pulled off a major coup in the transfer market. They have formalized a trade for Glen Davis to arrive from the Boston Celtics and used the amnesty clause on Gilbert Arenas, freeing up some room in their salary
cap.
Who they use it to get next might end up deciding whether Dwight stays or doesn’t.
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