Orlando Magic Daily Mailbag Volume 18: Let’s figure this out

This will be a constant theme and question throughout the season. I am sure it is a question I got in one of my mailbags over the summer.

With the Orlando Magic spending so much money on Bismack Biyombo, the trade chatter is going to be loud when it comes to Nikola Vucevic. For now, it appears the Magic are going to give Vucevic his shot — as they should.  But for how long is the question.

At some point, Bismack Biyombo will put pressure on Nikola Vucevic to keep his starting spot. Vucevic has to perform at a high level.

The early trade market is beginning to emerge. Vucevic is certainly among the players that teams may fish for when it really opens up. Players like Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor, Kenneth Faried, Ricky Rubio and Brandon Knight might also become available.

It is at least remotely possible for the Magic to get one of these players for Vucevic straight up. More likely, Vucevic is going to get only a few reserve players or spot starters in a straight up deal. Throw in Elfrid Payton and it might get a starter or one of those players.

It does not feel likely.

The point is, Vucevic’s trade value is very difficult to judge. Especially now.

There are questions as to whether he can start for a winning team. If the Magic do end up trading him, it is likely because the answer to that question is no. And so, even with Vucevic’s kind salary, it is hard to project what Vucevic can net.

If the Magic do opt to trade Vucevic, I would keep expectations low. The Magic are not looking to rebuild, they want players who can help them immediately. Even the young players they could get likely are not enough to move the needle.