Ed Condron

Orlando, FL

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard said he wants to be "the man" if he's going to be traded to another team, the All-Star said.

With the March 15 trade deadline fast approaching, Howard spiced up the trade talks by saying he still would want to be the franchise player if traded to another squad.

"I don't think there's a player in the NBA that wants to be a nobody," Howard told ESPN Thursday. "I think everybody wants to be that guy to take the last shot or be that guy that everybody is leaning on, for whatever reason.

The Chicago Bulls, who possessed several trade assets, would appear appealing to be Howard's next destination but the presence of reigning NBA MVP Derrick Rose could make the trade likely impossible.

Howard, who is averaging 20.7 points and 15.0 rebounds per game this season, has been the center of trade talks with his current contract expiring after this season.

Despite his desire to be the team's first option, Howard has not set aside the possibility of teaming up with another All-Star caliber player who can help him in the chase for his first NBA title.

"My thing is I want to win and I want to put my team in the best position," Howard told ESPN. "I've given Orlando eight hard years, everything I've got, and they all understand that.

The New Jersey Nets, who already have premier point-guard Deron Williams, have been a frontrunner to acquire Howard but the Magic insisted they plan to keep the superstar even they have a small chance of pulling it off.

 

 

Magic's Howard Still Wants To Be First Choice on a Team