Dwight Howard says he had nothing to do with Stan Van Gundy being fired

When the axe came down for Stan Van Gundy, it was widely assumed that Dwight Howard was the one with the blood on his hands.

Why? Well, because he asked for Van Gundy to be fired during the season. At least that's what Van Gundy said.

But Howard wanted to make it clear: It wasn't on him. Howard, who is rehabbing in Los Angeles after having back surgery, told TMZ he's not to blame.

"I hate to see anyone lose their job," he said. "Me and Stan ... we had our ups and downs ... but for the most part we had one goal ... to win a championship in Orlando, but we fell short.

"I'm glad [Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins] confirmed I had nothing to do with it."

That's in reference to the Magic saying Howard wasn't involved in the decision nor will be involved in a future coaching decision.

The situation isn't any less complicated though with Howard still reportedly wanting a trade and the Magic still reportedly ready to trade him. He's still under contract one more year in Orlando, but obviously things change.

Howard also was asked about an interview that's set to air on ESPN this week, but Howard wanted to make it clear that things have changed saying it's "old and inaccurate."

And just for fun, he was asked about a title favorite and he picked the Thunder.

"I think this is just their time," he said. "Just watching their games, watching their fans. A million people outside their arena and you've got the arena packed. That's just amazing. That's very inspirational. When you have a whole city behind you, it makes you want to go out and give everything you've got."