Based on a series of 3AM tweets, it appears that Orlando is looking to add to the team and not deal their star center. I will start by letting friend of Nets Are Scorching and Hoops World writer Alex Kennedy do the talking:
The Monta Ellis to Orlando rumor has legs. We’ll see if Golden State is interested. I’m not sure the Magic have the assets to get it done.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) March 1, 2012
The Orlando Magic have called a number of teams and one thing is clear: They’re trying to surround Dwight Howard with talent, not move him.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) March 1, 2012
That could change, especially if the Magic aren’t able to acquire any help. But as of right now, a Dwight Howard trade seems unlikely.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) March 1, 2012
Dwight Howard has been involved in the decision-making process, which wasn’t the case until now. That always bothered Dwight in the past.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) March 1, 2012
The Magic are reportedly in the hunt for Monta Ellis and/or Steve Nash, players Dwight Howard has vocally expressed playing with. Coming from no sources or insider information and just my educated opinion, I don’t see any way Orlando does a blockbuster, non-Dwight Howard centered trade before March 15. I think it’s too little too late for Orlando, and catering to their superstar’s wishes fourteen days before the deadline seems like a last-ditch attempt to keep him.
I’m staying on my belief that the Nets should do everything they can to get Dwight before he has the potential to hit free agency. I want Deron and Dwight locked into the Nets before Dallas or Los Angeles has the chance to woo him away from his Brooklyn pick. Yes, in the long run, a free agent signing would be better for the future, but I would rather get Dwight first and figure out the rest later than see him and Deron Williams bolt south.
