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NBA: Teams That Should Trade For Nikola Vucevic

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 1, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) passes around New Orleans Pelicans center Omer Asik (3) during the second quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) passes around New Orleans Pelicans center Omer Asik (3) during the second quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

3. New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans have one of the Top 10 players in the NBA in power forward Anthony Davis. New Orleans also has a pair of gifted playmakers in Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans, and a new supporting cast that includes rookie sharpshooter Buddy Hield.

By trading for Nikola Vucevic, the Pelicans would have a unique opportunity to build a dynamic interior duo that actually fits the modern NBA.

Both Davis and Vucevic are outstanding midrange jump shooters, with the former possessing 3-point range. They’re also capable post playmakers who can score or facilitate with their respective backs to the basket.

Given this knowledge, trading for Vucevic would enable New Orleans to build a legitimate low-high balance between star-caliber big men who can alternate spots and roles.

Defensively, Davis is an elite shot-blocker who can cover up for Vucevic’s inconsistent tendencies. With that being said, it’s worth noting that Vucevic made progress defensively in 2015-16, thus implying that he could provide a more disciplined presence than he’s given credit for.

The hurdle with this trade is that it may cost Holiday, but if another avenue could be pursued, it’d be worth looking into.

Next: Finding The Low-High Balance