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Orlando Magic Rumors: Orlando Magic in no rush to trade Nikola Vucevic

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 10, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) passes the ball as Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) defends during the second half at Amway Center. San Antonio defeated Orlando 98-96. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) passes the ball as Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) defends during the second half at Amway Center. San Antonio defeated Orlando 98-96. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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There are rumors running rampant that the Orlando Magic will ease the logjam at center and move Nikola Vucevic. The team though is in no rush to do so.

When the Orlando Magic signed Bismack Biyombo, there was a lot of confusion.

The team had already acquired Serge Ibaka, seemingly remedying its rim protection issues, and had a capable starting center in Nikola Vucevic. The move was met with some puzzled looks now that the Magic had added some incredible depth in the front court.

The Magic had gone from having a relatively meager front line to having a very strong front line with rim protection, shot blocking and defensive acumen. That was the identity they were going for.

That seemingly left Nikola Vucevic out of the equation. He is not a defensive player at all. His defense is often cited as his biggest weakness and something other teams exploit unendingly.

Almost immediately after signing Biyombo, the Vucevic trade rumors began. It became something of a mid-summer obsession for Magic fans — or at least Magic writers.

It appears though the Magic are in no hurry to trade Nikola Vucevic, Zach Lowe of ESPN.com reports.

"The potential playmaking void is one reason the Magic are in no rush to trade Vucevic despite the logjam, league sources say. They might need his post game, and especially his passing. Last season, Vucevic quietly morphed into one of the league’s best passing centers. He assisted on 16 percent of Orlando’s hoops while on the floor, a tidy number for a big man; only five centers racked up more potential assists, per SportVU tracking data."

Vucevic does have an importance to the team because of its perceived lack of offense. He averaged 18.2 points per game and shot 51.0 percent form the floor. That came on a fairly steady diet of mid-range jumpers too. Vucevic is a skilled offensive player for sure. Probably the best and most consistent option the Magic have.

The questions about his defense though certainly remain. The Magic will likely try him with Serge Ibaka and perhaps even with Bismack Biyombo too. Orlando seems willing to try playing him with these new rim protectors.

The question of role and status among the team is going to be something that continues to plague the team. Eventually ego could take over — especially if the team struggles in any way.

Vucevic continues to say he believes he is the starter. The Magic, according to Lowe, are not willing to make that promise. Both the Magic and Vucevic confirmed that in conversations between the two after signing Biyombo, the Magic though declined to promise Vucevic would start.

Vucevic has been the unquestioned starter for four years, like many players on the Magic, he is not going to have to compete for minutes for the first time. There are capable backups ready to take minutes away.

A good chunk of the Magic’s preseason will be spent sorting out these position battles and figuring out where players fit. Whether they can live with those decisions will be an undercurrent for much of the season.

Next: ESPN Summer Forecasts predicts Orlando Magic to stagnate

For now, the Magic are ready to move into the season with both Biyombo and Vucevic and an eagerness to make the two work.