Dwight Howard Rumors: Orlando Magic "Prepared" to Trade Superstar Center, According to Report

The Orlando Magic have decided to proceed in their efforts to trade Dwight Howard, reports Chris Sheridan of SheridanHoops.com, citing "a plugged-in league source." The team reached a decision over the weekend, Sheridan says, but will likely wait until after the NBA Draft Lottery, set for May 30th, to begin looking at specific trade ideas, as the Lottery will help clarify "which teams can offer the most value in return."

Complicating the issue here, of course, is that the Magic do not have a General Manager. They parted ways Otis Smith, their President of Basketball Operations, on Monday. Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel reported that Dave Twardzik, the team's Assistant General Manager, is Orlando's "point of contact for other teams and agents" for the time being. Given the sensitive nature of a Howard trade, which would alter not only the franchise but perhaps the entire NBA landscape, it's possible that team ownership would take control of Howard trade talks.

Howard's eight years in Orlando include one NBA Finals appearance, two Eastern Conference Finals appearances, six All-Star selections, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, and six All-NBA (five First-Team) selections. He's the franchise's all-time leader in total points, rebounds, and blocked shots.

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