Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard, the focus of major trade rumors over the past few months, has reportedly told teammates that he won't be opting out this summer and instead will remain with the team for the 2012-2013 season. According to a report from WFTV, an affiliate of ABC in Orlando, Howard told the team of his plans on Wednesday.
One of the best players in the NBA, Howard has long been part of trade rumors after stating his intention to opt out of his current deal and hit free agency this summer, but it appears that he's now changed his mind.
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Rather than opt out of his deal this summer and either sign an extension with Orlando or leave to join a new team, Howard will now exercise his player option for the 2012-2013 season with the opportunity to hit free agency following next season.
In the short-term, this means that Howard is a lock to stay in Orlando through this season, so it'll be interesting to see if the Magic can make moves to improve the team for a championship run this year. With Howard sticking around through next season, the Magic
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