Howard's Trade Request Still Valid

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Magic center Dwight Howard says he is looking forward to being on the basketball court in front of fans this weekend for the first time since making his trade request when the team holds an open scrimmage at Orlando's Amway Center.

The team is taking a day off from practice Friday, but is set to hold a live practice Saturday morning that is open to the public.

Howard says the trade request he made last week still stands and that he spoke to Magic general manager Otis Smith on Thursday. But he said what they talked about will remain between them.

Howard can become a free agent in July 2012. Smith has previously given Dallas, New Jersey and Los Angeles permission to talk to Howard's agent about possible trades.