Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

The Orlando Magic plan to offer Dwight Howard a contract extension in summer 2011, a year before he can opt for free agency, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Howard has two seasons remaining (including 2010-11) before he can explore free agency. But the Magic don’t want to wait that long, and Magic general manager Otis Smith said “of course” the team will offer Howard a new deal, according to the Sentinel.

“We want Dwight to be in a Magic uniform for as long as he plays basketball,” Smith said, according to te Sentinel. “That’s in the best interest of our franchise and, we hope, it is in the best interest of Dwight.”

Smith said Howard has indicated he wants to remain in Orlando, the Sentinel reported.

When asked about his future on Monday, Howard grinned and said, “I plan on being here forever,” according to the report. “I love Orlando.”

Does that mean he’ll sign an extension?

“I can’t answer that,” Howard said, according to the Sentinel. “I mean, I love Orlando. I don’t want to leave.”