Dwight Howard: 'No other place I'd rather be but here in Orlando, but a lot of things have to change'

To the left is a video clip from Orlando Magic Media day on Monday where Dwight Howard softened his stance on being traded before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in July. At right is a feature look at Howard's career.

ORLANDO -- Dwight Howard did an about face -- sort of -- today, telling NBA beat writers he has not given up on the Orlando Magic, his teammates or the fans.

Contrary to what he told the media Sunday in demanding a trade, Howard, considered the best center in the NBA and the second best player in the league behind Lebron James, told reporters today during the Orlando Magic media day: "There's no other place I'd rather be but here in Orlando, but a lot of things have to change. 

"As of a right now, I have on a Magic uniform," Howard said. If it's meant for me to stay here, then I'll stay." Howard went on to say that he loves "this city and there's no place I'd rather be than Orlando. I just want to make sure that we have the right things here so we can win a championship. And I'm all about change. If you're willing to change and willing do what it takes to win, then you've got me. "

Dwight Howard"As of a right now, I have on a Magic uniform," Howard said. If it's meant for me to stay here, then I'll stay." Howard went on to say that he loves "this city and there's no place I'd rather be than Orlando. I just want to make sure that we have the right things here so we can win a championship. And I'm all about change. If you're willing to change and willing do what it takes to win, then you've got me.

"If the Magic decide to keep Howard this season, they would get nothing in return for him should he opt out of his contract in July and sign with another team. The Magic have granted Howard's agent the right to speak with the Los Angeles Lakers, the New Jersey Nets and the Dallas Mavericks permission to try and work out a trade.

The Mavs also signed former Daytona Beach Mainland High School star Vince Carter. He's now reunited with Jason Kidd when they were both with the Nets. Carter was traded last season from the Magic to the Phoenix Suns who waived him after the NBA lockout with the players ended.

The Mavericks aren't likely players any more for Howard since they received reserve big man Lamar Odom in a trade over the weekend with the Lakers.

If Howard were to go to New Jersey and team up with superstar guard Deron Williams, the Nets would likely send the Magic promising center Brooke Lopez.

There's also talk around the NBA that the Chicago Bulls are interested in Howard, but that too would come with a steep price: former Florida Gators center Joakim Noah. And though as remote as this may seem, there is a possibility of Howard teaming up with Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks with Amare Stoudemire as the trade commodity along with draft picks.

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Wendel Bradford