Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel writes that the Magic think that they've detected a change in tone coming out of Dwight Howard.

As a result, it now appears Orlando will wait until the last minute before deciding whether to trade Howard or continue coaxing him into staying with the franchise.

"Most recently, he seemed to indicate that the Magic might, just might, make some changes that would make him more likely to stay," claims Robbins.

One possibility, Robbins writes, is that Howard could decide not to opt out of his contract and stay another season. The problem with that, of course, is that Howard could again hold the Magic hostage. "There is perhaps only one solution," writes Robbins. "Howard would have to make a public declaration that he would not opt out of the final year of his deal."

• Despite change in tone, Dwight Howard’s situation is still unresolved - Josh Robbins - Orlando Sentinel