4. Nikola Vucevic (2 years, $25 million)
Nikola Vucevic is a player full of shortcomings. The Orlando Magic have learned these shortcomings in the course of his six seasons with the Magic. He has struggled with his defense and he tends to rely too heavily on his mid-range jumper.
Vucevic can produce. He has been a solid and consistent scorer throughout his career. And he is active enough around the basket to get rebounds. This year has seen him bounce back to average 17.4 points per game and 9.3 rebounds per game. It is largely translateable production, whether he starts or comes off the bench.
The one thing anyone can say about Vucevic for sure is that he is consistent. He will get his numbers and be an overall solid contributor. And, honestly, he is a better defender than he often gets credit for.
Vucevic would be a surefire player to get moved at this deadline. The Magic are clearly ready to move in a new direction. Despite Vucevic’s best efforts, the Magic still fall short on the defensive end with him on the floor.
His contract is still extremely team friendly. Everyone knows he is a solid contributor who can help stretch the floor. Put him in a role off the bench and a team would have a strong scorer that could come in handy in the Playoffs.
If it were not for his hand injury, Vucevic might be one of the most sought-after players at the deadline. The guarantee of having him an extra year might actually be even more of an enticement.
Vucevic has taken more heat than he should in Orlando. He is a good player. Perhaps, like so many other players on the team, miscast in a role that was beyond his talent.
It is still unclear what the Magic could get for Vucevic. He does not seem to be a player the Magic want to give away. Like many of the players in this section, they are still productive players. They are players who can contribute on NBA teams, just not in the role the Magic are playing them.
It is clear Vucevic’s time with the Magic is nearing an end. And as his contract gets set to expire, someone will surely take a bite.