Otis Smith, the Orlando Magic's President of Basketball Operations, has spent most of his tenure as General Manager building his team around All-Star center Dwight Howard. He wants to continue doing that, but with Howard eligible to become a free agent this summer, he may have no choice but to trade his superstar in order to avoid losing him for nothing. And in an interview with Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel on Wednesday, Smith did not rule out that possibility.

"I think you have to look at everything," Smith told Robbins, referencing the possibility of trading Howard. "I don't think you can take anything out of consideration."

Smith said he plans to talk to Dan Fegan, Howard's agent, soon to address Howard's needs. Fegan also represents Jason Richardson, the Magic's starting shooting guard, who will enter free agency on December 9th; Smith told Robbins re-signing Richardson is his top priority this offseason. In addition, Fegan used to serve as an agent to backup point guard Gilbert Arenas, who has since decided to represent himself, but Fegan still advises him at times.

Early Wednesday morning, ESPN.com reported the New Jersey Nets are prepared to make a trade offer for Howard built around young center Brook Lopez. Smith told Robbins he has yet to receive any trade offers for the three-time Defensive Player of the Year.

Please read Robbins' full story about his talk with Smith.