Several teams are expressing “significant” interest in Magic All-Star Nikola Vucevic, according to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer. The Celtics were previously reported to have eyes for the big man and O’Connor adds the Heat, Spurs, and Hornets to the list.
Rival executives are not optimistic that Orlando will move Vucevic ahead of the trade deadline, however. If the Magic do part with him, the franchise would be looking for a serious package in return. I’d speculate that we’re talking several first-rounders as well as young pieces.
The former Sixer will make $26 million this season and his salary will decrease in each of the next two years, paying him $24 million during the 2021/22 campaign and $22 million during the 2022/23 season.
More on Orlando
- Other players on the Magic are receiving trade interest as well. The team has fielded calls for Evan Fournier and Terrence Ross. The Hornets are among the clubs interested in Fournier, per O’Connor, while the Nuggets have eyes for Ross.
- Aaron Gordon is another name who could be elsewhere before the March 25 trade deadline. The Magic also have other affordable veterans who could draw interest from teams around the league, O’Connor notes.
- If Orlando trades Fournier, it could cause a domino effect within the organization, Josh Robbins of The Athletic explains. In that event, the Magic may look to swap Aaron Gordon for a starting-caliber shooting guard (likely one who is signed past this season unlike Fournier).
