Orlando Magic rumors: Charlotte Hornets and San Antonio Spurs have most to offer for Nikola Vucevic

If Nikola Vucevic is to be traded, which still seems unlikely at this point, then the front office could instead opt for more picks in return as opposed to higher quality players. The Charlotte Hornets have so many options to throw at the Orlando Magic for Vucevic, including lots of future draft picks.

The All-Star center would immediately strengthen Charlotte during the next couple of seasons. Gordon Hayward is tied down for the future and LaMelo Ball will only continue to get better, meaning the return on picks over that duration of time might not be all that high.

The Hornets could get anywhere from a late lottery pick to one late in the teens or early in the 20s this year, such is the unpredictability and closeness of the Eastern Conference. Adding Vucevic increases the chances of it being somewhere nearer the latter.

But no one knows where Charlotte will be in a few year’s time. This deal could prove to be masterful or disastrous, depending on where those picks land. It would make sense for Orlando to get a safer return of more proven players, but high-risk can often come with high reward.

Much like the first San Antonio Spurs trade in this article, it is much more focused on the more distant future as opposed to now.

Cody Zeller is an expiring contract and would provide a short-term replacement at the center position, while Devonte’ Graham also becomes a restricted free agent this offseason. Graham might be inefficient, but his ability to score along with his low salary makes him a worthwhile addition.

Along with the inclusion of P.J. Washington, this deal has its merits but ultimately comes with a lot of risk.

There are a ton of different combinations that Charlotte could suggest to the Magic for Vucevic and these are just a couple of possibilities. But again, ultimately no one that is tradeable on the team will do what the center has been doing for the Magic this year.

Trading Vucevic would be a monumental shift in focus for Orlando. Vucevic has led the team offensively and his role has increased even further this year. His presence and experience would be an enormous miss.

But with his game at an all-time high and teams lining up for him, the opportunity is there for some sort of reset involving a big return on Vooch

.Seeing him on a healthier team next season is an exciting thought but there are certainly options the Magic can discuss, particularly with the Spurs and Hornets.