The Magic intensified efforts to trade Dwight Howard to the Nets on Wednesday, which may be part of the reason why he declared his intent to sign the early termination waiver form on Thursday.

A trade to the Nets could cost Howard a playoff appearance, as the team currently stands 4.5 games behind the Bucks for the No. 8 seed.

A league source said that missing out on the playoffs would cost Howard significant bonuses from his Adidas contract.