2018 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Nikola Vucevic

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Nikola vucevic, Orlando Magic, Luke Babbitt, Miami Heat

MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 20: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Miami Heat on December 20, 2016 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Trade Winds

In all likelihood, the biggest story surrounding Nikola Vucevic will be his future with Orlando. In past seasons, teams have expressed interest in him and his name always pops up in trade rumors and discussions.

Unless Orlando shocks most of the experts, they will be sellers at the deadline. Making Vucevic one of Orlando’s most sought-after pieces.

For some players, being on the trade market can cause issues on the court. They may say otherwise in press conferences and postgame interviews, but Vucevic will have to shift his focus to executing on the floor.

It has not been a problem yet, but there also were not major rumors until well into the season. If rumors start swirling by November, it could cause trouble in the locker room.

Despite the issues that may arise internally regarding Vucevic’s status, it will be a major storyline for the Magic. Moving on from him will signal a changing of the guard. He was one of the key pieces from the original rebuild after Dwight Howard left town.

The reasons are obvious as to why teams will have an interest in Vucevic. On the boards, he has remained solid. Averaging 10-plus rebounds per game in four of the last five seasons. Even with last season’s regression, he is a viable offensive weapon. And he is a passable defender.

Plus, Vucevic has a team-friendly contract. As the salary cap rises, his annual salary — $12.3 million this year, $12.8 million next year — continues to look more like a bargain. Especially for a player that can average a double-double with ease.

All season long Vucevic will be making headlines. Hopefully, he can play at a high level and force the front office to make a tough decision come February.