Orlando Magic has completed the trade involving their star player, Nikola Vucevic. The exchange with Chicago Bulls also involved Al-Farouq Aminu. Magic received Otto Porter Junior, Wendell Carter Junior, and two additional first-round picks in the deal that was done on Thursday. The 2021 and the 2023 picks will now be taken by the Magics.
Chicago Bulls also managed to sign Daniel Theis, in an exchange with Boston Celtics, for recently acquired Mo Wagner.
What Nikola Vucevic Means Brings To The Table
The player is currently having the best season in his career. He has averaged a point score of 24.5 and a rebound count of 11.8. Orlando Magic is looking to rebuild their team after Aaron Gordon was traded to Denver.
Jeff Weltman, the man in charge of basketball operations in Magic, said that it was a difficult decision to take since Nikola Vucevic is probably among the top players to have ever played for the team. He expressed profound gratitude for the player’s contributions.
Chicago was looking for a serious veteran to be the foundation stone in their team, which has been filled by Vucevic. Arturas Karnisovas, Bulls’ executive VP, praised the player’s all-around abilities on the field. Bulls have also managed to sign Troy Brown formerly of the Wizards.
As per reports, Nikola Vucevic had two years left on the contract with a payment of $46 million in salaries. He is among four players to have an average of at least 21 points along with 11 rebounds in the previous three years. The others are Karl-Anthony Towns, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Vucevic had begun his career after being picked 16th overall by the 76ers. However, he played for Orlando the very next season onwards. In his 10 year career, he has an all-time average of 16.7 points with 10.3 rebounds.
