The Orlando Magic are obviously desperate to keep superstar center Dwight Howard. How desperate? According to ESPN, desperate enough to pretty much allow Howard to decide the fates of coach Stan Van Gundy and general manager Otis Smith if Howard is willing to stay in Orlando long-term.

The Magic are reportedly trying to add at least one quality player to their roster in an effort to convince Howard to stay. Per ESPN, the Magic's general plan is to work until 24 hours prior to Thursday's 3 p.m. ET deadline to find players to add to their roster. If they can't accomplish that the final 24 hours before the deadline would be spent evaluating trade options.

The future direction of the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets hangs in the balance as the Magic try desperately to find a way to convince Howard not to leave.

The Nets, of course, want to add the Magic star and have both Howard and Deron Williams to build -- and market -- around when they move to Brooklyn next season.