Editing Orlando Magic (section)

===2004–2012: The Dwight Howard era===
[[File:Dwight Howard.jpg|200px|thumb|left|[[Dwight Howard]] was drafted No. 1 overall in the [[2004 NBA draft]].]]
In the off-season, Weisbrod completely dismantled the team. Though he kept Davis as coach, he shook up the player roster, only keeping a few players from last season. The most significant trade was [[Tracy McGrady]]. McGrady, discontent with the Magic, wished to move on; Weisbrod accused McGrady of "slacking off" and not attending practices (McGrady later admitted that he did not give 100 percent during the 2003–04 season and wanted the team to bring him some help, but never wanted to leave Orlando). The Magic traded McGrady along with [[Reece Gaines]], [[Tyronn Lue]], and [[Juwan Howard]] to the [[Houston Rockets]] for [[Steve Francis]], [[Kelvin Cato]], and [[Cuttino Mobley]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2004/06/30/exit-t-mac-enter-steve-francis-the-7-player-trade-with-houston-is-final-tracy-mcgrady-didnt-want-to-leave-here/|title=Exit T-mac, Enter Steve Francis . . .the 7-player Trade With Houston Is Final. Tracy Mcgrady Didn't Want To Leave Here.|first=Brian|last=Schmitz|date=June 30, 2004|work=[[Orlando Sentinel]]|access-date=December 26, 2013|archive-date=December 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231000512/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2004-06-30/sports/0406300337_1_tracy-mcgrady-steve-francis-orlando-magic|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, the Magic acquired center [[Tony Battie]] and two second-round draft picks from the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] in exchange for Drew Gooden, [[Steven Hunter]], and the draft rights to [[Anderson Varejão]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Magic Acquire Tony Battie, Picks from Cleveland|url=http://www.nba.com/magic/news/MAGIC_ACQUIRE_TONY_BATTIE_PIC-114607-66.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=OrlandoMagic.com|date=July 23, 2004|access-date=December 26, 2013|archive-date=November 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102145638/http://www.nba.com/magic/news/MAGIC_ACQUIRE_TONY_BATTIE_PIC-114607-66.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Magic then signed free agent [[Hedo Türkoğlu]]. With the number one draft pick, the Magic selected high-school phenomenon and future All-Star and franchise cornerstone [[Dwight Howard]], and a draft-day trade with the [[Denver Nuggets]] got them point guard [[Jameer Nelson]].<ref name=0405s/>

After a promising 13–6 start, the Magic began to fall apart. First, Weisbrod traded Mobley for [[Doug Christie]] from the [[Sacramento Kings]]. Christie, because of his emotional ties to the Kings, at first refused to play for the Magic. Later on, Christie claimed he had [[bone spur]]s and was placed on the injured list after playing only a few games for the Magic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2005/08/05/magic-will-waive-christie/|title=Magic will waive Christie|date=August 5, 2005 |access-date=December 7, 2016|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220105851/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2005-08-05/sports/MAGIC05_1_christie-magic-threshold|url-status=live}}</ref> Near the end of the season, with a playoff-push faltering, Weisbrod fired Davis after leading Davis to believe he was going to be the team's head coach for the entire [[2004–05 NBA season]]. He then promoted [[Chris Jent]] to interim head coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2015188|title=Magic fire Davis following sixth straight loss|date=March 17, 2005|website=ESPN.com|access-date=December 7, 2016|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220102939/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2015188|url-status=live}}</ref> Throughout the season, bolstered by Hill's return, the Magic played spectacularly, defeating top NBA teams. However, led by the erratic play of Francis, the Magic also lost to league teams with losing records. Howard showed great promise, becoming one of the few players to average a double-double. Howard was a consistent rebounder and scorer, becoming the first rookie to start and play all 82 games in a season. In addition, Nelson, after a slow start, developed into a talented player, taking over the starting point guard position. Hill also returned and averaged 19.7 points a game. Hill was chosen an All-Star starter by NBA fans for the 2005 All-Star Game, and Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson were named to the All-Rookie first and second teams, respectively. Howard was a unanimous selection.

[[File:J.J. RedickJameer Nelson.jpg|thumb|right|[[Jameer Nelson]] spent 10 seasons with Orlando from 2004 to 2014.]]
The Magic finished the season 36–46.<ref name=0405s>{{cite web|title=2004–05 Season|url=http://www.nba.com/magic/history/2004-05.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=OrlandoMagic.com|access-date=December 28, 2013|archive-date=December 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231002313/http://www.nba.com/magic/history/2004-05.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Their playoff push was hampered by injuries in the last quarter of the season: a season-ending broken wrist for sixth man [[Hedo Türkoğlu]], a shin injury to [[Grant Hill (basketball)|Grant Hill]], a rib cage injury to Nelson, and a three-game suspension to Francis for kicking a photographer. The Magic ended a few games out of the playoffs. On May 23, 2005, the Magic's plans were disrupted by the abrupt resignation of general manager and Chief Operating Officer [[John Weisbrod]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2005/05/Issue-167/Sports-Industrialists/Magic-GM-COO-John-Weisbrod-Resigns-Is-Move-To-NHL-Next.aspx|title=Magic GM & COO John Weisbrod Resigns; Is Move To NHL Next?|date=May 23, 2005|work=Sports Business Daily|access-date=December 28, 2013|archive-date=December 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230235057/http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2005/05/Issue-167/Sports-Industrialists/Magic-GM-COO-John-Weisbrod-Resigns-Is-Move-To-NHL-Next.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, the Magic announced the following day that [[Brian Hill (basketball coach)|Brian Hill]], the coach who led the Magic to the [[NBA Finals]] under O'Neal and Hardaway, would return as head coach.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2005/05/24/Brian-Hill-named-Orlando-Magic-coach/UPI-19291116958393/|title=Brian Hill named Orlando Magic coach|date=May 24, 2005|work=[[United Press International|UPI]]|access-date=December 28, 2013|archive-date=December 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230234714/http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2005/05/24/Brian-Hill-named-Orlando-Magic-coach/UPI-19291116958393/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Magic drafted [[Spaniards|Spanish]] [[Fran Vázquez]] with the 11th pick in the [[2005 NBA draft]]. On July 28, 2005, Vazquez stunned the team after announcing that he would remain in Spain to play for [[Akasvayu Girona]], getting ridiculed by media after he was quoted that the decision to stay was made by his girlfriend.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 9, 2020 |title=Fran Vazquez — the ghost of Magic past — retires |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2020/05/09/fran-vazquez-the-ghost-of-magic-past-retires-commentary/ |access-date=February 26, 2024 |website=Orlando Sentinel |language=en-US}}</ref> Owner [[Rich DeVos]] announced on October 21 that he was transferring ownership to his children, with the official owner role moving to son-in-law and team president Bob Vander Weide. The transfer was supposed to be complete by the end of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-magic2005oct20,0,2876966.story?coll=orl-magic |title=Archived copy |access-date=October 22, 2005 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060104095814/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-magic2005oct20,0,2876966.story?coll=orl-magic |archive-date=January 4, 2006 }}</ref>

The [[2005–06 NBA season|2005–06 season]] opened with high hopes for the Magic despite not being able to add first-round draft pick Vasquez. Grant Hill was supposedly finally healed from his multiple ankle surgeries. [[Dwight Howard]] and [[Jameer Nelson]] showed excellent progress during summer-league play. Second-round draft pick [[Travis Diener]] showed excellent shooting and decision-making during the summer. And the free-agent signing of [[Keyon Dooling]] showed that the club was going to continue making progress. Then trouble began. Hill, despite his ankle apparently being healed, suffered a painful sports hernia injury that would hamper his play throughout the entire season. After playing in three preseason games, he underwent surgery to correct the hernia and would not appear during the regular season until mid-December, to which he lasted a month before attempting to make another comeback in February and early March, however, he only played sporadically. Then a foot injury to Nelson forced him to sit out for over a month.

On February 15, 2006, the Magic announced that they had acquired [[Darko Miličić]] and [[Carlos Arroyo]] from the [[Detroit Pistons]] in exchange for [[Kelvin Cato]] and a [[2007 NBA draft|2007]] top-five protected first-round draft pick. One week later, on February 22, the Magic announced that they had traded [[Steve Francis]] to the [[New York Knicks]] in exchange for [[Penny Hardaway]] (whom they waived two days later) and [[Trevor Ariza]]. With a set starting rotation of Battie, Howard, Türkoğlu, [[DeShawn Stevenson]], and Nelson, the Magic mounted a surprising run at the eighth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, including an 8-game winning streak and 12 consecutive home wins. The streak included wins against NBA powerhouses Detroit, San Antonio, Dallas and Miami, as well as a game against the [[Philadelphia 76ers]] in which Howard recorded 28 points and a career-high 26 rebounds. Despite their efforts they did not make the playoffs.

====2006–2010: Return to the NBA Finals====
[[File:Stan Van Gundy sideline (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|upright|Head coach [[Stan Van Gundy]]]]
With the 11th overall pick in the [[2006 NBA draft]], the Magic took former Duke star [[JJ Redick]]. Even with the fan support to get him playing time he averaged just over 11 minutes a game. After beginning the season strong with a 13–4 record, the Orlando Magic began to suffer in the standings as the result of multiple losses, due in large part to the injuries of Tony Battie, Keyon Dooling, and Grant Hill. The Magic were also hampered with the sporadic play of many of their young stars, who on multiple occasions showed their propensity for streaky shooting and the team's lack of a solid scoring two-guard. Despite the team's poor play, Dwight Howard continued to develop and blossom in his third year in the league, culminating in his first selection to the Eastern Conference All-Star team. The final few weeks of the season saw the Magic build momentum and confidence with an impressive late push towards the Playoffs. On April 15, 2007, with an 88–86 victory over the [[Boston Celtics]], the Magic secured its first berth in the NBA playoffs since 2003 by locking up the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. This marked the first time that the team had made the playoffs while posting a losing record. Nevertheless, their Playoff run ended on April 28, 2007, after they were swept in the first round by first seeded [[Detroit Pistons]] whose experience, veteran leadership and ability to consistently make the clutch basket proved far too much for the undermanned and overwhelmed Magic to overcome. It was announced on May 23, 2007, that [[Brian Hill (basketball coach)|Brian Hill]] had been fired as head coach of the Magic.

On June 1, 2007, the Magic signed [[Billy Donovan]] to be their head coach for five years. The next day, Donovan wished to be released from the contract and the Magic agreed several days later. On June 6, 2007, the Magic signed a 4-year contract with [[Stan Van Gundy]]. In the [[free agent]] market, the Magic signed [[Rashard Lewis]] of the [[Seattle SuperSonics]] to a six-year league-maximum contract believed to be worth over $110 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2932827|title=Sonics, Magic complete sign-and-trade for Rashard Lewis|date=July 11, 2007|publisher=ESPN|access-date=June 30, 2015|archive-date=March 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302122707/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2932827|url-status=live}}</ref> At the NBA China Games, the Magic swept the three games in China, twice against the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] and once against the Chinese national team in games held in Shanghai and in [[Macau]].

On November 15, 2007, Bob Vander Weide, the son-in-law of Richard DeVos, officially took over as owner of the team, although ownership is still split evenly amongst Richard DeVos' other children as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-mnotes1507nov15,0,15219.story|title=Magic's Vander Weide officially takes over reins from owner Rich DeVos|work=tribunedigital-orlandosentinel|access-date=June 30, 2015|archive-date=November 17, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071117103604/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-mnotes1507nov15,0,15219.story|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Magic started the [[2007–08 NBA season]] with an impressive 16–4 record in their first 20 games, which included wins over the [[Boston Celtics]] and [[Cleveland Cavaliers]]. Through the next few months, the Magic were not so successful, splitting their next 36 games with 18 wins and 18 losses. At the start of March, the Magic seemed to pick up speed again, finishing the month with 10 wins, the first time since November that they won 10 or more in a month. The Magic clinched the [[Southeast Division (NBA)|Southeast Division]] title when the [[Washington Wizards]] were routed at [[Utah Jazz|Utah]] 129–87 on March 31, 2008. It was the Magic's third division title, but only their first since 1995–96 season, as well as their first since the Southeast Division was formed. They also earned their 50th win of the season against the [[Chicago Bulls]] on April 13, which had not happened since the 1995–96 season. The Magic finished the regular season 52–30, their best season since 1995–96. With the third seed in the Eastern Conference, they were matched up in their first-round playoff series against the [[Toronto Raptors]]. The Magic had home-court advantage for the first time since the 1998–99 season.

On April 28, 2008, at [[Amway Arena]], the Magic eliminated the Raptors with a 4–1 series victory in the first round. It was the first playoff series victory for the Magic in 12 years after 6 straight first-round exits. The run of success did not last long as they fell 4–1 to the experienced [[Detroit Pistons]] in the second round. With the Magic already down in the series, controversy erupted after the Pistons' Game 2 victory. At the conclusion of the third quarter, [[Chauncey Billups]] of the Pistons made a three-point shot giving the Pistons a three-point lead. However, the clock had stopped just as the play began. NBA rules prohibit officials from using instant replay or any timing device to determine how much time has elapsed when a clock malfunctions, nor is a replay allowed to be viewed from the time of the malfunction to when the play ends, when the game clock has not expired. Because of the rule, the officials then estimated that the play took 4.6 seconds, and because there were 5.1 seconds remaining when play began, the field goal was allowed to be counted. The NBA later admitted that the play actually took 5.7 seconds and the basket in question should not have counted.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3384577|title=After review, NBA says Billups' 3-pointer should not have counted|date=May 6, 2008|publisher=ESPN|access-date=June 30, 2015|archive-date=August 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807234053/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3384577|url-status=live}}</ref> The Pistons went on to win Game 2. The Magic were able to win Game 3, with the Pistons' Chauncey Billups out for most of the game with an injury but were unable to take advantage of his absence and defeat the Pistons in Games 4 and 5, which ended the Magic's playoff run in 2008. Another highlight of the season was [[Hedo Türkoğlu|Hedo Turkoglu]] winning Most Improved Player.

[[File:J. J. Redick.jpg|thumb|right|[[JJ Redick]] in 2008]]
The first half of the [[2008–09 Orlando Magic season|2008–09 season]] went very well for the Magic. After 41 games, the Magic were 33–8, leading the Southeast Division, as well as having one of the top four records in the league. At the start of February, [[Jameer Nelson]], their all-star starting point guard, went down with a shoulder injury. He was expected to miss the remainder of the season. After trading for [[Rafer Alston]], the Magic finished the regular season with a 59–23 record, it was the most games the team had won in a season since the 1995–96 season in which they had 60 wins. In the playoffs, the Magic beat the [[Philadelphia 76ers]] in the first round of the [[2009 NBA playoffs|playoffs]] and then the defending champions, the [[Boston Celtics]], in the Eastern Conference semifinals, behind assistant coach [[Patrick Ewing]]'s guarantee that they would win Game 7 of that series.<ref name="Magic Moment: Orlando beats Boston to advance"/> In their first conference finals since 1996, the Magic beat the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]], which were led by the season's MVP, [[LeBron James]]. After dropping the first two games in the [[2009 NBA Finals|Finals]] against the [[Los Angeles Lakers]], the Magic finally won their first-ever game in the Finals in Game 3. Despite Nelson's return to the team for the Finals, the Lakers won the series and the championship by beating the Magic in five games.
[[File:Hedo Turkoglu point guard 11-27-08.jpg|left|thumb|2007-08 Most Improved Player [[Hedo Türkoğlu|Hedo Turkoglu]] in 2008]]
In the 2009 off-season, Orlando traded [[Rafer Alston]], [[Tony Battie]], and [[Courtney Lee]] to the [[New Jersey Nets]] in exchange for eight-time [[List of NBA All-Stars|All-Star]] [[Vince Carter]] and [[Ryan Anderson (basketball, born 1988)|Ryan Anderson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4287197|title=New Jersey Nets ship Vince Carter to Orlando Magic for Rafer Alston, rookie Courtney Lee|date=June 25, 2009|publisher=ESPN|access-date=June 30, 2015|archive-date=October 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025005420/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4287197|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Hedo Türkoğlu]], as part of a [[sign-and-trade]], was sent to the [[Toronto Raptors]]. They then made several free agent signings. On July 10, former [[Dallas Mavericks]] power forward [[Brandon Bass]] was given a 4-year deal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Magic Sign Free Agent Brandon Bass|url=http://www.nba.com/magic/news/basstomagic_071009.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=OrlandoMagic.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090714233155/http://www.nba.com/magic/news/basstomagic_071009.html|archive-date=July 14, 2009|access-date=February 28, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> On July 21, the Magic signed former [[Phoenix Suns]] forward [[Matt Barnes]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4342767|title=Orlando Magic agree to two-year contract with free-agent forward Matt Barnes|date=July 21, 2009|publisher=ESPN|access-date=June 30, 2015|archive-date=November 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111110085159/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4342767|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 19, they signed former [[Miami Heat]] point guard [[Jason Williams (basketball, born 1975)|Jason Williams]], who decided to come back after a year in retirement.<ref>{{cite news|title=Magic Sign Free Agent Jason Williams|url=http://www.nba.com/magic/news/sign_williams_081909.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=OrlandoMagic.com|access-date=June 30, 2015|archive-date=December 1, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201093552/http://www.nba.com/magic/news/sign_williams_081909.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On September 28, 2009, Orlando extended the contract of head coach [[Stan Van Gundy]] by exercising his option for the 2010–11 season. They did the same for general manager [[Otis Smith (basketball)|Otis Smith]], which would keep him in that position through the 2011–12 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-magic-van-gundy-smith-extensions-092809,0,6107768.story|title=Van Gundy, Smith reap the rewards of success|work=tribunedigital-orlandosentinel|access-date=June 30, 2015|archive-date=October 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001105004/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-magic-van-gundy-smith-extensions-092809,0,6107768.story|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Magic were without [[Rashard Lewis]] for the first 10 games of the [[2009–10 Orlando Magic season|2009–10 season]]. Lewis tested positive for an elevated testosterone level that was caused by an over-the-counter supplement containing a substance banned by the league.<ref name="Lewis suspended 10 games by NBA"/> To make matters worse, Vince Carter suffered a left ankle injury in just the second game of the season. Carter's injury turned out to be not too serious, but caused him to miss the next five games. Another setback came in mid-November, when [[Jameer Nelson]] injured his left knee, which required arthroscopic surgery to repair. Nelson would be out for five weeks. Despite all of this, the Magic had a 23–8 record at the end of December.

Orlando lost seven of their first ten games in January but recovered well enough to post a winning record for the month by winning six of their next seven. Following the All-Star break, the Magic went on a roll, winning 23 of their 28 remaining games, clinching their fourth consecutive playoff berth and winning their third consecutive division championship in the process. The Magic finished the regular season with a 59–23 record, matching their record from the 2008–09 season, and finishing with not only the second-best record in the Eastern Conference, but the second-best record in the entire league. The team became one of the only teams in NBA history to beat all of the other 29 teams at least once during the regular season. The Magic swept the [[Charlotte Bobcats]] and the [[Atlanta Hawks]] in the first two rounds of the [[2010 NBA playoffs|playoffs]], respectively. They then faced the [[Boston Celtics]] in the conference finals. After losing the first three games of the series, Orlando managed to win the next two games, but lost on the road in Game 6, ending their season.

====2010–2012: "Dwightmare" saga====
[[File:Scott Skiles bench cropped.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[Scott Skiles]] coached the Magic in the [[2015–16 NBA season|2015–16 season]].]]
In anticipation of the team's move to [[Amway Center]], the Magic updated its logo. They retained the streaking ball logo, but changed the wordmark taken from their current uniforms. The Magic hosted the NBA All-Star Game in 2012. The Magic also unveiled black alternate uniforms.

In the summer of 2010, the Orlando Magic signed [[Chris Duhon]], formerly of the New York Knicks,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.insidehoops.com/blog/?p=6157 |title=Magic sign Chris Duhon |publisher=InsideHoops |access-date=January 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307202054/http://www.insidehoops.com/blog/?p=6157 |archive-date=March 7, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and [[Quentin Richardson]], formerly of the Miami Heat.

On December 18, 2010, having lost five of their last six games, the Magic made a blockbuster trade deal with the [[Phoenix Suns]] and the [[Washington Wizards]]. They traded [[Vince Carter]], [[Marcin Gortat]] and [[Mickaël Piétrus]] to Phoenix for [[Hedo Türkoğlu]] (who led them into the 2009 NBA Finals when they lost 4–1 against the [[Los Angeles Lakers]]), [[Jason Richardson]] and [[Earl Clark]]. [[Rashard Lewis]] was traded to Washington for 3-time All-Star [[Gilbert Arenas]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=5932861 |title=Sources: Magic trade for Gilbert Arenas |date=December 18, 2010 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |access-date=December 18, 2010 |archive-date=January 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110085532/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5932861 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Magic finished the season with 52 victories, good for second in the Southeast Division. But they were ousted in six games by the [[Atlanta Hawks]] in the first round of the [[2011 NBA playoffs]], the first time head coach [[Stan Van Gundy]] was eliminated early in the playoffs.

In a lockout-shortened [[2011–12 NBA season|2011–12 season]], the Magic started the off-season on a rocky note, with their All-Star center, [[Dwight Howard]], requesting a trade to either the [[New Jersey Nets]], [[Los Angeles Lakers]], or [[Dallas Mavericks]]. Overlooking the trade request the Magic did a sign and trade with the Boston Celtics for [[Glen Davis (basketball)|Glen Davis]] and [[Von Wafer]] in exchange for [[Brandon Bass]]. The Magic also amnestied [[Gilbert Arenas]] and signed [[Larry Hughes]], [[Justin Harper (basketball)|Justin Harper]], and [[DeAndre Liggins]]. The Magic started the season on Christmas Day in [[Oklahoma City]] against the [[Oklahoma City Thunder|Thunder]]. They lost the season opener 97–89. During the month of February, the Magic waived Hughes and signed [[Ish Smith]]. On February 26, Orlando hosted the 2012 All-Star Game. The Magic struggled to win games consistently, with concerns about the uncertainty of Dwight Howard's future with the franchise. However, after Dwight rescinded his trade demand and signed a one-year deal in March, the Magic seemed to find their footing again. But then in early April, shortly after it became public that Howard requested coach Van Gundy to be replaced, the center was diagnosed with a herniated disk and forced to have back surgery, thus ending his season. The Magic clinched the sixth seed in the east with a 37–29 record. The Magic were faced with the third-seeded Pacers in the first round. Despite winning the first game of the series the Magic were defeated 4–1.

On May 21, 2012, it was reported that general manager [[Otis Smith (basketball)|Otis Smith]] and head coach [[Stan Van Gundy]] would part ways with the organization. Stan Van Gundy finished with a 259–135 regular season record with the team which included making the playoffs in those five years and a conference championship.

CEO [[Alex Martins]] announced former Oklahoma City assistant general manager [[Rob Hennigan]] as the new general manager for the Orlando Magic on June 20, 2012. Once hired, he became the youngest general manager in the league.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/magic/story/2012-06-20/orlando-magic-hire-rob-hennigan-gm/55723510/1 |title=Orlando Magic GM Rob Hennigan – |publisher=Usatoday.com |date=June 20, 2012 |access-date=January 27, 2013 |archive-date=June 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623213050/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/magic/story/2012-06-20/orlando-magic-hire-rob-hennigan-gm/55723510/1 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the [[2012 NBA draft]], the Magic selected [[Andrew Nicholson (basketball)|Andrew Nicholson]] and [[Kyle O'Quinn]].

On June 25, 2012, [[Dwight Howard]] had face-to-face meetings with general manager [[Rob Hennigan]] in Los Angeles and demanded a trade to the [[Brooklyn Nets]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Dwight Howard Demands Nets Trade|date=June 30, 2012|url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/06/30/dwight-howard-demands-nets-trade/|publisher=CBS New York|access-date=July 1, 2012|archive-date=June 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625014646/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/06/30/dwight-howard-demands-nets-trade/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On July 9, 2012, the Magic completed a sign-and-trade deal with the [[New Orleans Hornets]], that sent forward Ryan Anderson to the Hornets. In return the Magic received center [[Gustavo Ayon]].

On July 28, 2012, [[Jacque Vaughn]] was named the new head coach. He had been the assistant coach for the [[San Antonio Spurs]] for the last two seasons.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jacque Vaughn named as Magic head coach|url=http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/jacque-vaughn-named-new-orlando-magic-head-coach/nP5zN/|publisher=WFTV Channel 9 Orlando|access-date=July 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730222744/http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/jacque-vaughn-named-new-orlando-magic-head-coach/nP5zN/|archive-date=July 30, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On August 9, 2012, [[ESPN]] reported that a four-team trade would send [[Dwight Howard]] to the [[Los Angeles Lakers]]. Marc Stein of ESPN.com was told the Lakers were to acquire Howard, [[Chris Duhon]] and [[Earl Clark]], the [[Denver Nuggets]] were to acquire [[Andre Iguodala]], the [[Philadelphia 76ers]] were to acquire [[Andrew Bynum]] and [[Jason Richardson]], and the Magic were to acquire [[Arron Afflalo]], [[Al Harrington]], [[Nikola Vučević]], [[Maurice Harkless]], [[Josh McRoberts]], [[Christian Eyenga]], and five total protected future (three first-round, two second-round) picks from each of the other three teams.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dwight Howard to Lakers|date=August 10, 2012|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8256377/dwight-howard-traded-los-angeles-lakers|publisher=ESPN|access-date=August 10, 2012|archive-date=May 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509150742/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8256377/dwight-howard-traded-los-angeles-lakers|url-status=live}}</ref> The deal was officially confirmed and completed on August 10.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=August 10, 2012 |url=http://www.nba.com/2012/news/08/10/dwight-howard-trade.ap/index.html |title=It's official: Howard dealt to Lakers in four-team trade |publisher=NBA |date=August 10, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120811080542/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/08/10/dwight-howard-trade.ap/index.html |archive-date=August 11, 2012 }}</ref>
Howard left the Magic as their all-time leading scorer, shot blocker, and rebounder.