Dwight Howard denied a report on Thursday that he is on the verge of signing a two-year contract extension to remain with the Orlando Magic before the collective bargaining agreement ends on July 1.
Citing anonymous NBA and team sources, WKMG sports director David Pingalore reported that the extension was "all but signed by" Howard, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Pingalore both tweeted and reported on-air Tuesday that Howard would sign the extension, worth approximately $44 million.
Howard gave Orlando fans some words of encouragement Monday, indicating that he would like to stay with the team when his contract expires.
"I'm not trying to run behind nobody like Shaq or be behind someone else," Howard said, referencing Shaquille O'Neal's decision to leave Orlando after the 1995-96 season and join with Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.
"I want to start my own path and I want people to follow my path and not just follow somebody else...
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