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Orlando Magic: The 2019 NBA Trade Deadline presents impossible decisions

By Zach Palmer

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 17: Jeff Weltman and John Hammond of the Orlando Magic during practice on November 17, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 17: Jeff Weltman and John Hammond of the Orlando Magic during practice on November 17, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets
Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets /

The Nikola Vucevic conundrum

When it comes to Nikola Vucevic, the equation is completely different.

Vucevic has turned himself into an All-Star-caliber player. He has almost single-handedly dragged this team into a playoff spot with his incredible offensive play. Trading Vucevic, barring some type of godfather offer, would almost certainly take Orlando out of the playoff hunt.

But there are some hurdles facing the team when it comes to trading Vucevic.

The first and most important issue facing the Magic is simply there are not that many teams that need starting centers. Sure, Vucevic has unquestionably been a top-five center so far this season, but a lot of teams already have a lot of resources committed to the center spot. Especially those who are in the playoffs or fighting for the playoffs.

Additionally, of the few teams that need a center, there are not many that have the correct matching assets to acquire Vucevic. Orlando is not simply going to sell Vucevic off to the highest bidder. Like Ross, they likely would not mind retaining Vucevic if the price is right. That counterbalances the desire to trade him.

One team that sticks out is the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers have the matching contract they need in the expiring contract of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. They also have a few young players who could probably make a deal happen if the Lakers were so inclined.

But the sticking point here is that in all reality the Magic probably do not value the Josh Hart‘s (they passed on him in the draft), Ivica Zubac‘s, nor the Moritz Wagner‘s the Lakers would be willing to offer.

No, the Magic would probably insist on prized point guard Lonzo Ball. Unfortunately for the Magic, the Lakers are probably going to save Ball for a trade that would net the Lakers a megastar (Anthony Davis?) rather than simply an All-Star (Nikola Vucevic).

There will be a lot of reluctance from teams to add in a valuable young player in any deal for Vucevic simply due to the fact he can walk in the summer.

It is hard to extract a ton of value for a rental. It will take finding a diamond in the rough like when Orlando unearthed Tobias Harris in the J.J. Redick trade in 2013.

Unless the Magic manage to get extremely creative with multiple team scenarios, it is hard to envision a trade that makes sense for the Magic. Not to mention, if the Magic keep Vucevic, they will almost certainly compete for a playoff spot no matter what happens to other guys on the roster.