Dwight Howard And Magic Both Dismiss Los Angeles Clippers Report

Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic have both dismissed a report that disgruntled center Dwight Howard has added the Los Angeles Clippers to the short list of teams he would accept a trade to, according to The Orlando Sentinel.

Both Howard and Magic general manager Otis Smith say that the list of teams that Howard would be open to signing an extension with are still the Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, and the New Jersey Nets. The Orlando Sentinel also reports that the team has not granted Howard’s agents permission to speak to any other team.

The three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year has had a rocky relationship with the team that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2004 over the past few months. It was reported that Howard had demanded a trade to the Nets at the onset of training camp, however more recent reports indicate that he may be willing to stay in Orlando if the club can convince him that they can build a championship team. While the latest rumors indicate that Howard has not rescinded his trade request, some within the organization have expressed optimism about still being able to keep Howard in a Magic uniform with a long-term deal.