Orlando Magic Trade Value Column 2019: Who are the Orlando Magic's most valuable trade assets

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Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors

ORLANDO, FL – DECEMBER 28: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket during the game against the Toronto Raptors on December 28, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Nikola Vucevic (1 year, $12.8 million)

The biggest question facing the Orlando Magic at the trade deadline and entering the summer is what to do with their newly minted All-Star.

Much of Nikola Vucevic’s previous six years with the Magic has been asking when the Magic would replace him. Many players tried to claim that spot and Vucevic simply beat them all.

In this last year of his contract, Vucevic doubled down and did everything one better.

He is having a career year in every measure of the word, specifically averaging a career high in points (20.6) and rebounds (11.9). Not to mention he is one of the best passing big men in the entire league.

Vucevic earned his All-Star bid with his individual production and the team’s rise up the standings.

But Vucevic is still probably not part of the team’s future. The Magic are not likely going to be willing to overpay to retain him. After getting that sweetheart contract from him four years ago, Vucevic is due for a major pay raise likely above $20 million. And he should seek that raise, this might be his last big contract.

Is Orlando willing to pay that and for how long? The answer to that question might depend on how long the Magic think it will take Bamba to develop and assume that role.

There is no doubt right now too the Magic are a significantly worse team without Vucevic. But there is also little doubt the Magic have a low ceiling with Vucevic as their best player. The goal is not to fight merely for the scraps of the Playoffs.

Other teams around the leauge know and understand this too. They are likely thinking the same questions when it comes to Vucevic. Just how much do you pay and value this guy as a free agent? And with that beign the case, how much are you willing to give up to get his Bird Rights?

That leave sthe Magic likely stuck in the middle. It is hard to see them getting a deal that returns the kind of value they are looking for. And so, once again, the Vucevic questions is likely to get punted down the road.