An apparently distraught Dwight Howard told Orlando media that he has been deeply affected by the trade rumors flying around him, and admitted that in spite attempts to block it out, "it's been affecting me all season."

Howard declined to discuss his conversations with Alex Martins, the Magic CEO, answering, "Next question". Martins has been trying to find ways to get Howard to stay in Orlando and sign an extension.

The All-Star center said that the controversy is not just affecting him, but his teammates, but said he told his teammates they should try to block it when they're on the court. As to whether he might change his mind on a trade request if the Magic could upgrade their roster, Howard responded, "We'll have to see."

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