By Fitzgerald Cecilio

Orlando, FL

The Orlando Magic will keep center Dwight Howard, after all.

League sources said the Magic have informed other squads that they will hold on to Howard if the offered deal is not great for the franchise.

"This has been Orlando's stance for the past week or so," an executive who has had discussions with the Magic regarding the star center told espn.com.

Another executive thinks the Magic may start the season with Howard and wait until the February trade deadline to move him.

The two executives believe that Howard may not be moved for weeks, if not month. But they are also keeping the trade door open, saying that the Magic may be bluffing to get better offers.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets have talked to the Magic regarding Howard but discussions were at a standstill after Orlando rejected several offers in exchange for the star center.

Recently, the Cleveland Cavaliers were also involved as a third team in the trade being worked out by the Lakers but lack of assurance from Howard that he will sign a long-term deal once the deal is completed became a stumbling block.

Howard has requested the Magic for a trade to the Brooklyn Nets, the only team on his list of preferred destination. The Nets tried to work out a deal for Howard but negotiations fizzled out days later due to lack of players that would interest the Magic.

If the Magic keep Howard until the end of next season, they would lose him to free agency so moving him before the February trade deadline is possible.

If that happens, the Nets become a possible landing spot for Howard. The Nets recently signed center Brook Lopez to a multi-year deal but he could be a trade centerpiece to acquire Howard.

 

Orlando Magic Likely to Retain Dwight Howard