Dwight Howard has told several teammates, as well as members of the Orlando Magic organization, that he will not opt out of his contract at the end of this season, sources close to the situation said.

That would mean Howard would remain under contract in Orlando through the 2012-2013 season.

Howard has not signed a waiver of his early termination option at this point, which means nothing is guaranteed yet. Both Howard and his representation must sign the documentation.

This latest development comes one day after league sources with knowledge of the situation said Howard's public plea late Tuesday to remain in Orlando for the rest of the season only served to anger the Magic and has pushed them closer than ever to trading their superstar center.

Convinced that Howard, on the advice of his agent, is trying to manipulate the situation, the Magic are telling teams they will trade Howard before Thursday's 3 p.m. ET deadline if he does not commit to them beyond this season, league sources said.

"Dwight's dreaming if he thinks Orlando won't trade him without a commitment,'' a source said. "He needs to make some small commitment to them. They're saying it can't be one way.''

While the Magic would like Howard to sign a maximum extension that would keep him in Orlando through the 2014-2015 season, they would settle for a commitment from him to not opt out of the final year of his current contract. That would give the Magic more time to pull off a trade for a star to play beside him, enhancing their chances of keeping him long-term.

The tension between the two sides has grown. According to sources, the Magic are incensed with Howard's agent, Dan Fegan, who they believe has manipulated Howard and is the driving force behind his push to leave the franchise.