Dwight Howard could decide fate of Magic’s GM, coach, report says

Desperation or gamesmanship? As the clock ticks to within two days of the NBA trade deadline, the latest rumor out of Orlando has the Magic offering Dwight Howard the chance to decide the fate of the team’s coach and GM.

According to an ESPN Insider -- aren’t they all? -- Magic CEO Alex Martins has told Howard that the team will add a quality player in the next two days and allow him to decide the fate of GM Otis Smith and Coach Stan Van Gundy if Howard signs an extension.

It’s in stark contrast to the situation between the Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning, where the team was calling all the shots. Then again, Howard is in the prime of his career and healthy and Manning is near the end of his career and coming off several surgeries.

But back to Howard, who could become a free agent after this season. The guess is that the Magic will not trade him, although they will listen to any and all offers. The Lakers, once thought to be a possible destination for Howard, have become less of a factor in the talks.

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