- Associated Press - Monday, December 12, 2011

ORLANDO, FLA. (AP) - Magic CEO Alex Martins says he met with center Dwight Howard and is still holding out hope that the franchise will be able keep him.

Martins made his comments Monday, a day after Howard said the he hadn’t spoken to general manager Otis Smith since asking the Magic to trade him.

Howard said that he did speak with Magic trade acquisition Glen “Big Baby” Davis and said if the Magic are willing to make changes to win a championship that he would be receptive to staying in Orlando.

Howard can opt out of his current contract in July 2012.

Smith has previously given Howard’s agent permission to talk to New Jersey, Dallas and the Los Angeles Lakers about possible trades.

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