Posted by Royce Young and Matt Moore

Update Wednesday 9:36 a.m.: Howard denied that he had added the Clippers to his list Tuesday, via the Orlando Sentinel. SheridanHoops.com responded to the report by indicating that the Clippers are on his list but that due to the CBA, he woul be unable to join the Clippers until later this summer:

The key word in that question is “now.”

Because right now, he wants to play for the New Jersey Nets, Dallas Mavericks or Los Angeles Lakers — and the Lakers are a distant third on that list. The Clippers would be something to consider if circumstances over the next several months make those first three destinations unattainable, and as I reported in my story on the Howard-Clippers possibility, it would only happen next summer through a sign-and-trade (a detail too many people are overlooking).

via More on Dwight Howard and the Clippers. 

Whether you believe Howard as a flat denial or that the Clippers could be a possibility if he reaches free agency, don't expect Howard to be joining Lob City this season, if ever. 

************

It's the power of Blake. It already brought Chris Paul to the Clippers and it could have Dwight Howard interested in joining Lob City.

Howard has a list of teams he's reportedly interested in and it includes the Nets, the Lakers and the Mavericks (along with the Magic, I guess). But you can add one more: the Clippers. Via Sheridan Hoops:

SheridanHoops.com learned exclusively Monday that Howard recently expanded his list of preferred future destinations, adding the Clippers to a list that already included the Nets, the Mavericks and the Lakers.

“He’s been watching them a lot. He’s intrigued by the Clippers,” said the source, who is privy to the trade talks that have taken place between all of the aforementioned teams.

That source also said it now appears more likely that Howard will play out the season with the Magic, who improved to 9-3 Monday afternoon by defeating the New York Knicks 102-93 while making 17 3-pointers and getting just 8 points and 10 rebounds from Howard.

Howard’s agent, Dan Fegan, already has been given permission to speak to the Nets, Mavericks and Lakers about possible trades. It was unclear if similar permission has been granted in regards to trade talks with the Clippers.

But the source said the most likely scenario that would land Howard in Lob City would be an offseason sign-and-trade deal.

The Clippers aren't really in need of a big man as they just signed DeAndre Jordan to a long extension, but you don't say no to Howard. Especially to the idea of a trio of Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and Dwight Howard. If the Clips are Lob City now, that would be Lob Universe, Dunk Continent or Oop Galaxy. It would be... something.

It doesn't seem to be the most plauisble destination for Howard as the Clips are fairly structured right now and Howard could be a fit elsewhere. But if he doesn't get traded before the deadline -- and it's looking less likely that will happen -- his options will be open to a whole lot of places, including both Los Angeles teams.

Howard has options. The Mavs have positioned themselves to make a strong run at both him and Deron Williams this summer. The Nets could do the same. The Lakers might offer Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol to get him at the deadline. Or maybe the Clippers decide to go all out and try and work that sign-and-trade, which could include Jordan.

Whatever the case, one thing seems to be a constant right now: These scenarios most definitely do not include Orlando.