Orlando Magic: 3 players most likely to be traded before deadline

3. Nikola Vucevic

Center Nikola Vucevic might be far and away the Magic’s most appealing trade piece, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are in any rush to let him go. He is having the best season of his career, and should make his first All-Star team if common sense prevails.

There are plenty of other organizations that would love to have his offensive talents on their side, but Vucevic’s defensive improvements have made him so much more valuable to potential buyers. His defensive rating of 106.4 is the second-lowest mark of his seven years in Orlando.

In any other year, the Magic could have expected a substantial haul back for the big man, but Vucevic will be an unrestricted free agent this coming summer. As a result, he may only be a short-term rental to whatever team he would theoretically join.

Vucevic deserves to be paid after his exploits this season, but with cap space at a premium around the league, it remains to be seen if any organization will be willing to take the plunge and pay up. That includes the Magic.

So while he could just as easily have been No. 1 on this list, he is also crucial to Orlando’s playoff hopes. If he continues averaging 20.1 points and 11.9 rebounds per game (both career highs), then the Magic have every chance of making the postseason.

If they move him before the deadline, while they would undoubtedly take a step back for the rest of the season and probably miss the playoffs, it could be better for their long-term goals. After all, they do also have Mohamed Bamba on the roster and Khem Birch needs more minutes. The phone will ring, but it will take the right deal to move on from Vucevic.