Dwight Howard's request for a strong supporting cast and the possibility of signing an extension with the Magic is a ruse as he plans on eventually signing with the Nets, according to sources.

“Dwight’s gone, and [Magic CEO] Alex Martins is the only person who doesn’t believe that,” a league source with knowledge of Howard’s intentions told Yahoo! Sports.

Howard has created the illusion that he may remain with the Magic because he reportedly dislikes confrontation and believes a trade is no longer in his best long-term interests.

Howard is privately telling people the acquisition of better complementary players could convince him to stay, leagues sources told Marc J. Spears.

But Howard's camp, according to sources, is clear that Howard will sign with the Nets at the start of free agency.

Otis Smith and Stan Van Gundy know Howard is set to leave the Magic and would like a trade.

“Otis and Stan want the circus to end,” one source close to them said. “They want a deal.”

Martins has improved the franchise’s relationship with Howard, multiple sources told Yahoo! Sports. But as one source talking to Martins and Howard said: “That’s great, but [Dwight’s] still going to leave.”