The Orlando Magic have insisted in recent weeks that they are more than willingly to hold on to star center Dwight Howard and not trade him, but as seems to happen once a week Howard's name is now being thrown around in conjunction with another team, this time the Chicago Bulls. The problem? Howard has given zero indication he would go to Chicago. Via Ken Berger of CBSSports.com:
Dwight update: The Bulls emerge as Orlando's preferred trading partner, but not without commitment from Howard. #NBA goo.gl/nUdzC
— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) March 12, 2012
In his column on the topic, Berger notes that though executives from both teams have talked, there has been no real movement since the Bulls are not on Howard's trade approval list:
Such a scenario has gained no traction since Chicago is "not on his list," a person familiar with the situation said of Howard. Without assurances from Howard or his camp that he'd be willing to sign long-term with the Bulls, Chicago executives have exhibited no appetite for trade talks with the Magic. The two teams have spoken, but there's "no type of serious discussions" going on, a person familiar with the situation said.
So, in other words, the saga continues.
For more news on NBA Trade Rumors leading up to the deadline, keep it to thisStoryStream. For more on the Magic, check out the SB Nation blog Orlando Pinstripe Post.