Orlando Magic star Dwight Howard wants out of Orlando, and said Saturday that he has formally requested a trade.
The news came the day after the team granted New Jersey, Dallas and the Los Angeles Lakers permission to talk to Howard's agent, Dan Fegan, about possible deals, writes the Associated Press.
He is eligible to opt out of his current contract in July 2012.
"I've done everything for this city. I don't think people understand the magnitude of love I have just for this city," Howard said. "It's beyond basketball. I think people, anybody should understand that. For me, this has just not been a city I enjoy playing basketball in. I love everybody here, that's why it's been so tough."
Magic general manager Otis Smith is disappointed with Howard's decision and said the team is exploring its options.
"When you invest seven years in a player and that's what he decides, then you have to deal with that from that angle. But it's not the end of the world," Smith told AP. "Like I said before, the Orlando Magic franchise is what it's about. We like to make this into an individual game, but the fact of the matter is it's a team sport. And we'll continue to move forward. "
Howard says his reasons for wanting to leave are many, but part of his decision comes down to feeling the team doesn't have the best talent on board and also that management doesn't listen to his suggestions.

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