Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard has no interest in fresh deals - NBA News
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 84-81 in Game 6 and eliminated the team from the National Basketball Association Play-offs.
However, Orlando’s All-Star Dwight Howard proved once again what he can bring to the table. In six games Howard scored with an average of 27.0 points per game and his rebounding average of 15.5 was incredible.
The official mantra of the Magic in the play-offs was “Blue and White Ignite”, but after first-round elimination it has to be “Blue and White, Keep Dwight”.
Without a doubt, Howard is the future of the Magic and still there are two years left in his contract expiry, but already strong rumours are swirling around that he has already packed his bags.
However, on Thursday night while explaining what happened with Orlando in the play-offs, Howard also made it clear that his future is not the topic for discussion.
"That has nothing to do with right now," said Howard. "There is no need for me to comment on it. Let's not even talk about it. There is no need to bring it up."
Howard added, "Right now, I need to figure out how I can I get myself better for next season, not what team I want to play for. Right now I am with the Magic. So all the speculation can stop; there is no need to talk about it."
What Howard has been arguing with the reporters for weeks now is that allegedly he could sign an extension with the Magic, but so far they have not offered him one yet. The rumours are that even if they would offer him a two-year $42 million extension, he
is not interested in it.
For the grieving fans of the Magic, Howard said, "It's going to get better. Keep believing. Keep making Orlando one of the best places to play. I am going to do whatever I can to lead my city, I love Orlando. I am going to do as much as I can. Our fans deserve
a championship and I am going to keep fighting. That's all I can do is keep fighting."
The Magic have obligations of almost $76.2 million in salary to eight players in the next season, this also includes forward option Ryan Anderson.
Both Earl Clark and Jason Richardson will be unrestricted free agents at the end of their contracts, but it is reported that the Magic have been in talks with Richardson and are interested in retaining him. However, the Magic have until June 30 to conclude
the deal with him, Richardson’s current contract is worth $14.4 million.
Despite of poor results in the play-offs, the Magic ownership still wants to persist with the team President Otis Smith and coach Stan Van Gundy. Both had signed contract extensions with the team last summer and have secured their future until the 2012-13
NBA season.
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