Aldridge: Magic Give D12 Deadline

David Aldridge is reporting that the Magic have given Dwight Howard a deadline to submit the needed "opt-in" paperwork to league offices Wednesday or they will trade him before Thursday's 3 p.m. deadline.

Aldridge says that the Magic are skeptical that Howard --and agent Dan Fegan-- will sign the documentation.

The Orlando Magic, unsure about the intentions of franchise player Dwight Howard -- who told teammates Wednesday morning he planned to "opt in" and play the final year of his contract -- have told Howard he has to get that paperwork into the NBA office by the end of the day, according to a source

One reason for the skepticism: Howard's reported announcement caught them by surprise. After five months of trying to convince him to stay in Orlando, they were shocked to hear the news that he may want to stay for another year. "The Magic 'can't roll the dice," the league source told Aldridge.

• Report: Skeptical Magic give Howard end-of-day ultimatum - David Aldridge - NBA.com