They would eventually swap Webber to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for the rights to University of Memphis guard Penny Hardaway and three future first-round picks.
Under new head coach Brian Hill,[9][10] the Magic continued to improve holding a 27–20 record at the All-Star break,[11] while posting a 7-game winning streak in February.
[12] At midseason, the team signed assistant coach Tree Rollins to a player contract,[13] and acquired second-year forward Anthony Avent from the Milwaukee Bucks.
[14] The Magic qualified for the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, as the club finished with a record of 50 wins and 32 losses, which was good enough for 2nd place in the Atlantic Division.
[23][24][25] However, in the Eastern Conference First Round of the playoffs, the Magic would struggle losing their first 2 games at home to the 5th-seeded Indiana Pacers by a total of 3 points, as Shaq's weakness at the free throw line was exposed.