The NBA trade deadline has passed and Dwight Howard is still in a Magic Uniform. The question is for how long?
Thursday Howard decided to sign a one year extension keeping him in Orlando through the 2012-2013 season. The decision to sign has put an end to this “circus” as Howard described it, at least until the end of next season.
“It’s not as easy as some people think, it’s been very hard,” Howard said. “I’m glad this is finally over.”
The All-Star center who has played all eight of his seasons with the Magic could have opted out of his contract at the end of the season allowing him to hit the open market.
Howard requested a trade in the preseason listing his destinations to be the New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks.
Real GM’s insider Jarrod Rudolph first reported that Dwight wanted to stay in Orlando until the end of next season.
Howard told teammates he was staying with the team, however the Magic organization was planning on trading Dwight unless he signed and made it official before the 3pm deadline Thursday.
“It was real,” General Manager Otis Smith said about trading Howard. “We weren’t rolling the dice.”
Nets were the destination for the reigning defensive player of the year but New Jersey was informed early Thursday Howard was no longer available, a source told ESPN The Magazine’s Ric Bucher.
Orlando fans are reminded of when Shaq left in 1996 for the Los Angeles Lakers and how long it took for their team to become relevant again.
“We can actually get back to playing basketball and having some peace and trying to win a championship,” Howard said.
Now that Dwight has signed this waiver, he is no longer able to sign a long-term deal this offseason. However he is eligible to sign a two or three year extension with Orlando or collect the $19 million owed to him next season then become a free agent.
The City of Orlando, the great people that ran the campaign STAY DWIGHT including organizer Ryan Totka , Real GM’s Jarrod Rudolph and Bright House sports anchor David Baumann all played important roles in this process.
Howard and General Manager Otis Smith seemed to be very cool with one another even at times joking during the Thursday press conference.
“They know how I feel about the City,” Howard said.
The focus FOR NOW needs to be on winning basketball games. The Magic (28-16) on the season and currently third in the Eastern Conference standings have a chance to make a run in the playoffs.
Orlando of course will host the New Jersey Nets tonight at Amway, tip off set for 7pm.
