Various sources are reporting that Dwight Howard has agreed to formally waive his opt-out clause for the offseason, locking him into the Orlando Magic through the end of the 2012-13 season.
“He is giving up all of his leverage and his free agency in a show of commitment to his team and most importantly the fans of Orlando,” said Kevin Samples, Howard’s manager, in a comment to the Orlando Sentinel.
Now that Howard’s relationship with the Magic is confirmed through next year, he is no longer on the team’s trading block. The issue, of course, will be revisited next year as buzz emerges over whether Howard will sign a long-term extension with the team, but for the time being, he is staying put.
Though the organization’s prime target is off the table, the New Jersey Nets are still pursuing other deadline trades. Recent rumors have suggested it might do something with Portland, perhaps in the form of a Gerald Wallace or Jamal Crawford grab.