There’s a reason why basketball players play basketball and agents handle the business side of the game.

Earlier today Dwight Howard began telling friends, family and even the Orlando Magic that he would go ahead and opt in to the final year of his current contract with the Magic.

And then, apparently, agent Dan Fegan explained to his client that if he opted in he would be giving up any leverage he might have in terms of getting what he wanted from the team going forward.

Specifically, Dwight would have no say on issues like the head coach, the general manager, or who the team acquired to play alongside him. It seems like Howard would have understood all of that, but again, there’s a reason why players have agents.

Once the implications of opting in were thoroughly explained to Howard he backed out. In that moment fans in Orlando let out a collective groan . . .and fans in New Jersey lept for joy.

Sources close to the situation tell HOOPSWORLD that Howard’s decision to go ahead and opt out of his contract this summer means the Magic will absolutely trade him, and the most likely destination is New Jersey.

The Magic are now working the phones, looking to find the best possible deal for their coveted star player, and it looks nearly certain that Dwight Howard is currently playing his last game in a Magic uniform as he battles the San Antonio Spurs in the Alamo City.

Unless he changes his mind again, which is clearly possible.