Three possible Orlando Magic trade scenarios involving Nikola Vucevic

Conclusion

Trading Nikola Vucevic would ultimately signal the Orlando Magic are moving in a new direction.

The chances of Orlando getting a star in a trade involving Vucevic are very slim. His impact on this Magic team is enormous and without him there are no back-to-back playoff appearances the last two years.

Losing the 30-year-old would likely require the team to take a step back with the intention of moving forward further down the line. There are questions over how high this current team can go and with Jonathan Isaac out injured next season, the front office could use the next year to set up the team’s future while trying to agree a longer contract with the young defensive star.

But Vucevic’s value to this team cannot be understated. The team should not be simply looking to sell him off for anything. The Magic must approach the trade market with confidence and be prepared to say no if the deal is not right for what the front office wants to create.

If the team is prepared to move backward and potentially sacrifice a third straight season in the playoffs to try and improve in the long run then now could be the time to move Vucevic. His trade value is high after his playoff performances and his diverse skill set makes him a real asset.

It would be tough to part with a player who has given so much to the team but with Orlando at a crossroads, something has to give this offseason. Whether that involves Vucevic or not will be discovered over the coming weeks.