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NBA: 10 Trade Targets Who Could Help A Playoff Team

By Gerald Bourguet

Nov 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 118-114. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 118-114. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) runs down court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards at Amway Center. The Wizards won 94-91. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Nikola Vucevic

It’s safe to say the Orlando Magic‘s crowded frontcourt is working out about as well as everyone expected. With Nikola Vucevic begrudgingly adjusting to a sixth man role, it wasn’t surprising to see his name emerge in the earliest NBA trade rumors either.

For a franchise that quickly gave up on both Tobias Harris and Victor Oladipo, it wouldn’t be surprising to see this playoff-desperate team ship off the 26-year-old Vucci Mane, even if he’s a talented scorer who can spread the floor to the midrange.

Orlando wants to make the postseason and though they sit four games out of a playoff spot, perhaps a Vucevic trade could get them the scorer they’re looking for. Vucevic’s defense is the main problem here, but if Orlando can find a team that can make room for his $11.8 million salary, that trade partner would be getting a quality bench scorer and rebounder.

This season, Vucevic is averaging 13.2 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. His interior defense may always prevent him from being a starting center on a more competitive squad, but for a team lacking frontcourt depth, he could be a great bench addition, especially since he’s locked in through the 2018-19 season on a very fair contract.