Howard says that he won't sign a contract extension and will become a free
Dwight Howard continues to say he would prefer to remain with the Orlando Magic for the long haul, but according to NBA.com, he reiterated on Monday that he will not sign the two-year contract extension the team has offered and said he will become a free agent in the summer of 2012.

Appearing in Treviso, Italy, as part of an adidas promotional tour, Howard made clear that he has told Magic Owner Rich DeVos and CEO Bob Vander Weide that Orlando's roster needs to improve and have "14 other guys" whose main goal is to win an NBA title.

 Magic's Dwight Howard not 'automatic' to accept extension next su
Dwight Howard wants to stay in Orlando, but those closest to him say that signing a contract extension this summer with the Magic isn't a gimme.

Not "automatic" I'm told.

Magic CEO Bob Vander Weide told me he wouldn't be surprised if Howard waits to make a decision, largely because of the uncertainty of the labor situation possibly affecting salary structures.

But there's certainly more behind Howard's thinking:

 Is Fran Vazquez coming to America — and Magic?
We have a Fran Vazquez update for you: The Spanish power forward apparently is closer to washing up on Orlando's shores.

Decir lo que? (Say what?)

The Magic say Vazquez — who stood them up after they drafted him in the first round in 2005 — is coming around to joining them for the 2011-12 season.

 Mike Miller "would love to" go back to Orlando


When the Orlando Magic came to Washington last month, Mike Miller spent some time with former Memphis teammate and fellow Florida alum Jason Williams. Miller said Williams told him how much fun it was playing for a winner and offered some encouraging words.

 Magic can't ignore Nets' cry for help

FRED KERBER

Team president Rod Thorn admits the Nets will have to look everywhere to find players after this nightmare season concludes and at least six player contracts expire.

 Magic have no plans to trade Gortat, Bass
Magic have no plans to trade Gortat, Bass

Magic General Manager  Otis Smith said he has no plans to deal either C Marcin Gortat or PF Brandon Bass, even though he can trade them starting Dec. 15.

 Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy excited about team's free-agency moves

Josh Robbins, Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy peppers his sentences with adjectives such as "incredible," "great" and "tremendous" when he discusses the moves GM Otis Smith has made this free-agency period.

 Future Piston? Hedo Turkoglu opts out of contract with Orlando

ANTONIO GONZALEZ • Associated Press Writer

A day after the Magic acquired Vince Carter from the New Jersey Nets, Turkoglu’s agent said today that he sent a notice to Orlando earlier this week that his client will opt out of his contract to become a free agent. Agent Lon Babby said the Magic had made Turkoglu an initial offer that Orlando general manager Otis Smith described as a “jumping off point.”

 Nets trade Vince Carter to Magic

The Orlando Magic have acquired eight-time NBA All-Star guard Vince Carter and forward Ryan Anderson from the New Jersey Nets in exchange for guard Rafer Alston, forward-center Tony Battie and guard Courtney Lee, General Manager Otis Smith announced this evening.

 Magic Losing Hedo Turkoglu?
The Orlando Magic do not like talking about it now. They do not even like to think it. And rightfully so, in their first conference finals appearance in 13 years, only three victories away from the NBA Finals.

 Magic to trade both Hedo Turkoglu and Marcin Gortat

 Magic interested in the Grizzlies Foyle

 Hill's season over again

 Steve Francis suspended 3 games *UPDATED*

 Orlando acquires Doug Christie