Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

3 Up, 3 Down for the Orlando Magic’s future playoff spot

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 11, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry (7) is fouled by Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry (7) is fouled by Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 13: Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Orlando Magic and Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls laugh during the first half at United Center on February 13, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 13: Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Orlando Magic and Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls laugh during the first half at United Center on February 13, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

3 Up, 3 Down in the Eastern Conference playoff picture

2 Down: Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls really thought they struck it rich when they acquired Nikola Vucevic in March 2021. They thought they were getting an All-Star to pair with Zach LaVine. Enough to get LaVine to sign a long-term deal.

And to that point, Vucevic has not been bad in his years with the Bulls — 18.2 points per game and 11.1 rebounds per game with the Bulls — and he helped them acquire DeMar DeRozan. Their aggressive push in to get DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball helped propel the Bulls into the 2022 Playoffs and retain Zach LaVine.

But injuries have slowed that down and they have quickly realized Vucevic, for as solid as he is, puts a ceiling on the team. Even if the Bulls have been able to put together a solid statistical defense around him — they were fifth i the league at 111.5 points allowed per 100 possessions.

Everyone seemed miserable watching the Bulls. If not for a strong late-season push they may not have even made the Play-In Tournament.

Then again, the Chicago Bulls were up eight on the Miami Heat in the fourth quarter of the Play-In Tournament final and almost snuffed out that Heat run before it started. That is the frustrating part for the Bulls. They are good enough just not every night.

But Chicago is kind of trapped this off-season.

They are committed to the LaVine/DeRozan pairing financially. If they let Nikola Vucevic walk in free agency, there are not many good avenues to replace him — unless they are in the Kristaps Porzingis running (the Bulls would have $22.2 million in cap room if they do not retain Vucevic but that does not include player options that appear likely to be picked up).

It feels like the Bulls need to re-sign Vucevic. And if they do that, then they are just spinning their wheels with the same group. A group that is capable of making the postseason for sure. But one that is not really a threat to do anything.

This might be why the Bulls appear to be quietly shopping LaVine, according to several reports. They could be ready to hit reset in a more meaningful way.

These are all the tell-tale signs of a disastrous trade. The Orlando Magic are reaping the rewards of moving up because of their deal with the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls are going to be heading on the way down.