The Dwight Howard situation remains as confusing as ever as we approach Thursday's NBA trade deadline. Thus far, the Magic have resisted trade offers, choosing instead to make a last-ditch attempt to find Howard some help. That effort will continue until 24 hours before the trade deadline, according to ESPN's Marc Stein and Chris Broussard.

The Orlando Magic's strategy for the moment on Dwight Howard, according to sources close to the process, calls for spending the next 48 hours or so making one last hard push to acquire the sort of difference-maker that would encourage Howard to commit his long-term future to the team that drafted him in 2004.

If that doesn't happen, the Magic will evaluate all their trade proposals and decide what course of action is best. Stein and Broussard are also reporting that Magic owner Rich DeVos still hopes to convince Howard to stay in Orlando. In fact, the Magic may allow Howard to pick his next coach and general manager to help convince him to stay, according to the report.

One source close to the situation told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher that the Magic have promised Howard that they will add a quality player before Thursday's deadline and that Howard can decide the fate of both GM Otis Smith and coach Stan Van Gundy at the end of the season if he signs an extension.

All this should make for a wild ride before Thursday's deadline.

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