Probably not the worst idea ever assuming Sheridan’s report is the one you choose to believe. With this past season feeling like a uber-slow removal of a band-aid that tears out as many arm hairs as possible on its way to exposing the ugly wounds that the Dwight Howard trade saga has inflicted on the Orlando Magic franchise, it just might be time to turn the page completely.
Otis Smith and his collection of questionable personnel moves is out already, along with a top-five coach in Stan Van Gundy. Next step for Orlando now, according to Sheridan, is dealing Dwight Howard himself it seems.
This report from Chris Sheridan Hoops yesterday:
I’ve already told you that Dwight Howard wants out of Orlando, and now I have another piece of info to report.
A plugged-in league source tells SheridanHoops.com that the feeling is mutual, and Orlando is prepared to trade him sooner rather than later.
The source said that when Magic team president traveled to Michigan last weekend to speak in person with owner Rich DeVos, the conclusion was reached that not only was it time for Stan Van Gundy and Otis Smith to go, but Howard, too.
That means the Magic will be proactive in soliciting deals once next week’s draft lottery results are in, clearing up the lay of the land in terms of which teams can offer the most value in return.
The source spoke to SheridanHoops.com on condition of anonymity.
It is worth noting that the Magic have since denied Sheridan’s report though, saying this:
Two sources familiar with the Magic’s thinking said a report Thursday by the website Sheridanhoops.com that the team has decided to trade Howard is not true.
However, Martins already has stated publicly that the franchise will not go into the 2012-13 season with uncertainty about Howard’s future, meaning that the team will trade Howard if he doesn’t sign an extension or provides no clarity on his plans this offseason.
Rumors continue to swirl that Howard wants to be traded — that he cannot be swayed to stay long-term by any new hire the Magic make.
While on the subject of reports, there was also another one circulating earlier in the week which had the Magic exploring the possible hiring of Shaquille O’Neal as their new General Manager, and bringing in Doc Rivers somehow to coach their team next year. For some reason this move to O’Neal was supposed to entice Dwight to stay, so I guess that ‘I’m Superman’ no ‘I’m Superman’ thing ended without me noticing. Doc Rivers would be a great hire obviously, but he’s in the playoffs right now.
Whatever does end up happening though, I hope it happens soon. This thing gets increasing awkward by the day, and it’s not even cool as far as train-wrecks are concerned anymore. Trade him if you’re going to trade him, Orlando, and let’s all move on to the next soap-opera.
