Shaun Powell of NBA.com thinks the time for a decision from Dwight Howard is running down, but also believes that the Magic have played a weak hand as well as they could have. By waiting on him, Magic trade options are better now than what they were in December.

Brook Lopez, who would come to the Magic in any deal, was hurt. The Magic didn't want to send Howard to the Nets for (among other things) a No. 1 pick, watch the Nets reach the playoffs, and ruin the value of the pick. By waiting, the Magic would get a healthy Lopez and a likely lottery pick, since it's probably too late in the season for Howard to rally the Nets.

Meanwhile, Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel writes that he's bothered by the implication that the Magic haven't committed to winning big. "The Magic have the second-highest payroll in the league and have blown through the salary cap for five straight years in a desperate attempt to win a championship," says Bianchi. Of course, how that money was spent is the issue.

• Time is running out for Dwight to provide Magic with answer - Shaun Powell - NBA.com
• What would Dr. Seuss think of Dwight Howard trade saga? - Mike Bianchi - Orlando Sentinel