Nikola Vucevic (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Orlando Magic have yet to show indications that they plan to move Nikola Vucevic, but recent rumors have suggested that the team could actually trade the 25-year-old center if it would give them back an All-Star caliber player.
Many believe Bismack Biyombo and Serge Ibaka's arrival would push for the Magic to consider trading Vucevic. The Magic have created a logjam in their frontcourt following the summer acquisitions of the two big men, with hopes of bolstering the team's interior defense and covering up any of Vucevic's defensive issues. But if things do not go accordingly for Orlando, trading Vucevic could become an option for the team, according to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders.
Kyler claimed that "Magic sources flatly deny" any interest in moving Vucevic. However, an enticing package consisting of an All-Star swingman could force Orlando to reconsider their stance.
"Magic sources were pretty adamant that moving Vucevic was not in the plan, but with the Magic so focused on making the playoffs, one has to wonder if others start to flourish and the right swingman was offered, would Orlando hold that line?" Kyler wrote.
"Magic sources said barring the offer of an All-Star in return, the odds of a Vucevic trade were very small, so it might take something real to get Orlando to the table."
Vucevic is the incumbent center of the Magic, but one has to wonder whether he could keep his starting spot under coach Frank Vogel, who admitted that Orlando has "two starting centers." It is also worth noting that the Magic did throw a ridiculous amount of money to sign Biyombo, which implies he would probably the team's starting center.
Nevertheless, it won't be too difficult for the Magic to move Vucevic, who averaged 18.2 points and 8.9 rebounds last season. His contract is very team friendly and offensive skillset should see him a desirable addition to contending teams.
If the Magic are looking to find an All-Star swingman in return, they could trade Vucevic to the Chicago Bulls for Jimmy Butler or Indiana Pacers' star Paul George.
As intriguing as it may look, it is hard to see the Bulls flourishing with their trio of All-Stars in Rajon Rondo, Dwyane Wade and Butler. All three players require the ball in their hands to play effectively, which means there is a possibility Butler won't get too many touches on the offensive end.
The Magic could trade Vucevic, Jodie Meeks, and a future draft pick to the Bulls for Butler, giving Chicago a skilled offensive big man who could fill the void left by Pau Gasol and an outside threat in Meeks. Adding in a future draft pick gives the Bulls a chance to kick start their rebuild.
On the other hand, the Pacers have yet to indicate the availability of George, but it has been rumored Indiana could consider rebuilding if they fail to contend this season. It is hard to imagine the Pacers letting go of George, but an enticing package could entice Indiana to reunite George with Vogel in Orlando.
Trading Vucevic, Aaron Gordon and Mario Hezonja for George would work under the NBA salary guidelines. It remains to be seen whether Orlando would give up that much to acquire George from the Pacers, but including Gordon and Hezonja, two potential building blocks, should give Indiana second thoughts of keeping George.
It is unclear whether the Bulls or Pacers would consider such deal, much less a genuine interest in acquiring Vucevic. But if the Magic could create an enticing package centered in Vucevic, it is something the Bulls and Pacers could ponder about.
Video courtesy: YouTube/FreeDawkins
