Rumors started to trickle out earlier this week that Stan Van Gundy would not be returning to coach the Orlando Mgic next season because he wasn't interested in dealing with the Dwight Howard circus for another year. Well, as it turns out, it might not be his decision to make. According to David Pingalore, Howard will probably want to see Stan Van Gundy let go before he decides whether or not to sign a contract extension this Summer.
In order for Dwight Howard to sign a contract extension this summer with the Orlando Magic, team owners will have to fire head coach Stan Van Gundy, as well as his coaching staff, sources close to the team and the NBA told Local 6 Sports Director David Pingalore.
Pingalore's sources confirmed the talk has been "amping" up in recent weeks. According to the sources, the probability of Van Gundy's staff to be released from their final year of the contract is very high.
This doesn't come as much surprise, but it will be interesting to see if Dwight has that type of influence over the organization. While the Magic don't ant to let him make personnel decisions like this, I don't think it would take very long for the front office to decide between Dwight and Van Gundy if that decision was presented to them.
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