Orlando Magic Offseason 2012: Many Changes Could Be Coming

The Orlando Magic's NBA season came to a conclusion on Tuesday afternoon when the team was bounced out of the 2012 NBA Playoffs by the Indiana Pacers, nearly being swept. The Magic stole a game early in the series, but for the most part were completely dominated by the Pacers without Dwight Howard in the lineup and limped into the playoffs.

One of the biggest issues facing the Magic heading into the 2012 offseason will be what happens with Dwight Howard. There is clearly a rift between Howard and current head coach Stan Van Gundy. It's unlikely that Van Gundy returns to Orlando after the situation with Howard allegedly asking management to fire Van Gundy and some of the subtle shots Van Gundy took at Howard after he went down for the season undergoing back surgery.

Then the Magic have to deal with the situation of general manager Otis Smith potentially being on the outs as well as some key impending free agents. If Orlando can't strike a long-term deal with Howard, they then get to play the "trade him" game they played this season or risk not getting anything in return for the best center in the NBA.

For more on the Orlando Magic's 2012 offseason, visit SB Nation's Magic blog Orlando Pinstriped Post.