Do the bold moves guarantee anything? Other than the fact that the Magic are trying to keep their star happy and on a championship level, no. There are no guarantees. If the experiment blows up, as the Cleveland concoction of Shaquille O'Neal and Antawn Jamison famously imploded, then Howard simply will be one step closer to being Carmelo Anthony.
After the anticipated lockout ends, Howard will be entering the final year of his contract followed by an early-termination option for 2012-13. He would be set to join another epic free-agent class, which also could include Paul, Deron Williams, and Derrick Rose. Depending on what the league's free-agent rules and payroll structure will be, Howard could have substantial leverage to force a trade during the season-and-a-half leading up to the 2012 trade deadline.
People with knowledge of Howard's thinking said the superstar is on board with Orlando's moves, with one saying he's "a big fan" of the changes. But as he grew restless over the summer about the developments in South Florida, and as the Magic were exposed in recent weeks, Howard privately already was beginning to weigh his options. Like the list of stars he wanted to join him in Orlando, he was forming another list: potential suitors for him. Two teams were on it, according to sources: the Knicks and Lakers.
