Orlando Magic Trade Value Column 2017

2. Nikola Vucevic, $36.8 million/3 years

It felt like Nikola Vucevic was ripe to be traded and the Magic would have to deal him to take their next step for several years. Everyone knows about his production and his team-friendly contract. That is just something the Magic have to shop if they want to improve their roster.

For the first time, though, it really feels like the Magic could get worse by moving Vucevic.

His scoring is down this year, thanks to an addition of new weapons and a use of more big-heavy lineups with Serge Ibaka and Bismack Biyombo. But his defense has never been better. A player whom everyone assumed was not a good defensive player has proven himself at least adequate.

Vogel is a master at teaching verticality and Vucevic has thrived because of it. Vucevic’s positioning and anticipation is a lot better. And he does a better job corraling players. He still has work to do on the pick and roll and he could probably still use rim protection behind him — or at least a really tight scheme — but Vucevic’s defensive improvement has been one of the nicer stories this season.

Especially after a season where so many games have looked lifeless, having someone who feels embedded into the community and the franchise is a plus. Vucevic has endeared himself again to fans after so many wrote him off as gone and unnecessary.

Unfortunately now, Vucevic is the Magic’s most tradable asset. To get a better return, they are likely going to have to trade Vucevic to make salaries match. He is that attractive with his production and potential.