Dwight Howard Wants the Longest Contract He Can Get

Dwight Howard will sign a five-year extension with the Magic this summer. To some people, if not most, this will come as no surprise -- these extensions are virtually automatic for lottery picks.

But unlike players like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, who signed three-year deals last summer with a player option for a fourth, Howard had no interest in trying to coordinate his contract to end with the next collective bargaining contract, which would theoretically allow him to land a much larger contract sooner. From Florida today:

"I can say when Dwight chooses to sign an extension it will be for the maximum number of years," [Howard's agent Aaron] Goodwin said. "It certainly won't be the short-term variety. I see no benefit in that for Dwight."

And despite alleged disharmony between Howard and head coach Brian Hill (which might actually work since the front office is apparently already luke warm on Hill) Goodwin claims that his client would never make a "him or me" ultimatum regarding his coach or teammates.

"Dwight would never make demands on a team; he's just not that type of kid. His extension will come down to him and his family's comfort in Orlando. He's definitely not making any demands on the franchise. He feels the team is headed in the right direction and is only going to keep getting better."

For Magic fans, that's good to hear. Now if only this team could get another scorer (and a legitimate point guard ... and some more post help for Howard ...) this team will be on their way!

Previously on FanHouse:
NBA Coaching Guillotine: Brian Hill
Howard Healthy and Ready for Game 3
Is Brian Hill Facing His Second Mutiny in Orlando?
Brian Hill Tried to Leave Dwight Howard Behind