Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl
After meeting with the Orlando Magic’s new CEO and talking to new teammate Glen Davis, Dwight Howard seemed to re-open the door to staying with the team.
Meanwhile, sources told ESPN.com, the Magic currently are not planning to trade him.
Over the last several days Howard has gone public with a trade demand and criticized team general manager Otis Smith for not taking his advice over the last several years on personnel moves.
On Monday at the team’s media day, Howard softened his stance and hinted that he would consider staying with the franchise if there were changes made.
“If it is meant for me to stay here, I’ll stay,” Howard said.
“I love this city. There is no place I’d rather be but Orlando. I just want to make sure we have the right things here so we can win a championship. I’m all about change. If you’re willing to change and you’re willing to do what it takes to win then, you know, you got me.”
Alex Martins, who took over as team CEO last week when Bob Vander Weide surprisingly stepped down, met with Howard when he arrived at the Amway Center on Monday. Smith was not a part of the meeting.
Martins said that despite Howard twice telling the team he wanted to be traded and asking for permission to speak with the New Jersey Nets, Dallas Mavericks or Los Angeles Lakers, that the team still believes it can convince him to stay and extend his contract.
“I’m an optimist,” Martins said. “I am confident that we can work with Dwight and convince him to stay here long-term.”
WRITTEN BY Brian Windhorst covers the NBA for ESPN.com & FULL STORY HERE
Follow Brian Windhorst on Twitter:Â @WindhorstESPN
