Orlando Magic superstar Dwight Howard has officially requested a trade, according to Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel.
Robbins reports that the Magic General Manager Otis Smith confirmed that Howard has twice asked to be traded in separate conversations since Monday. Smith granted Howard and his representatives permission on Friday to contact the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and New Jersey Nets in search of a possible trade deal.
Howard is still participating in training camp with the Magic. Smith stated that Orlando is still hoping to retain Howard long-term, and will make "every effort" to retain the center. Smith also noted that neither Howard nor his reps have officially ruled out a return to Orlando.
Smith has until the trade deadline of March 15 to decide on whether to deal Howard to another team for maximum value, since he would otherwise depart the Magic in 2012 as an unrestricted free agent.
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