Here we go again. ESPN's Chris Broussard is reporting that Dwight Howard wants out of Orlando immediately, specifically to be traded to the Brooklyn Nets:
Dwight Howard met with new Magic GM Rob Hennigan Friday in LA. Howard told Hennigan he wants to be traded to Brooklyn Nets, sources say.
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 1, 2012
Apparently Howard feels that the Magic "blackmailed" him into staying with the team, a claim that seems to seal Howard's opinion of the organization, even despite the new direction under newly hired G.M. Rob Hennigan:
Howard shared his feelings of being blackmailed by the Magic with the NBA Players Association last week, sources said. He -- either himself or through his representatives -- approached the union wondering if he might have a legal complaint against the club.
The goal of such a complaint would be to eliminate his "opt-in," thereby allowing Howard to become a free agent this summer.
Broussard also reported that the union would likely not pursue any kind of legal action against the Magic, meaning that Howard's remaining year on his current contract is valid. If Howard's comments to Hennigan are true and then honored by Hennigan, the move of Howard to New Jersey would likely meant that the Nets could retain now-free agent Deron Williams, who is considering signing with Brooklyn or Dallas.
For more on the Brooklyn Nets, check out Nets Daily. Orlando Magic news and info can be found at Orlando Pinstriped Post.