Jarrod Rudolph of RealGM posted his exclusive interview with Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard early Thursday morning, wherein Howard pledged to remain with the Magic through at least the 2012/13 season by waiving his Early Termination Option. He also apologized for the "circus" his impending free agency has caused.
"They didn't deserve none of this," Howard said, referring to fans of the Magic. "I'm sorry from the bottom of my heart. I will do whatever I can do make this right and do what I was put in Orlando to do."
"The fans deserve a better hero and I will make that happen," Howard said later.
Howard, who has spent his entire eight-year career with the Magic after they drafted him 1st overall in 2004, said he will waive his Early Termination Option on Thursday morning. Doing so will mean he will not be eligible for free agency until July 1st, 2013. In addition, according to Rudolph, Howard "plans on making some internal changes to ensure this situation isn't repeated in the future."
The NBA trade deadline is Thursday at 3 PM Eastern. As David Aldridge of NBA.com reported Wednesday night, the Magic plan to trade Howard by the deadline unless he waives his ETO.
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