The Magic are preparing a four-year contract offer believed to be worth more than $90MM for free agent center Nikola Vucevic, reports Marc Stein of The New York Times (via Twitter). Orlando is hoping to complete a deal with Vucevic early in free agency, according to Stein.
Vucevic, 28, is coming off the best season of his eight-year NBA career. He established new career highs in PPG (20.8) and RPG (12.0), among other categories, adding a more reliable three-point shot to his game (1.1 3PG, .364 3PT%).
Although he struggled in the playoffs as the Magic fell in five games to the Raptors, Vucevic is Orlando’s only All-Star, and it makes sense that the team would make a strong effort to bring him back, even after using last year’s lottery pick on a center (Mohamed Bamba).
It remains to be seen if the Magic’s offer will be strong enough to entice Vucevic to stay. He’s expected to draw interest from a handful of other teams in need of frontcourt help — the Kings and Mavericks have been frequently mentioned as possible landing spots, though Dallas is believed to be wary of his asking price. The Celtics are also a potential suitor, but appear more likely to use their cap room on Kemba Walker.
Hmm. I don’t think that’s enough to get a deal done. I figure he is going to be 4/100 easy
From who though? Yes, Vooch was an all star, but he has his limitations as well. Hard to see any team giving him 4/100 unless it’s Orlando
Dallas, New Orleans, or Sacramento could step up for Vooch.
And we shouldn’t ever underestimate the stupidity of Sarver or GarPax. They throw big money at guys they don’t really need all the time.
Can add Atlanta to that mix, though I’d think they’d be less likely to entertain taking him on. Boston could if Walker decides to take the cash on Charlottesville, and one never knows with the Knicks.
In the case of Sarver and GarPax, it’s good to have a skill, even if it isn’t a desirable one.
yup that offer is a complete low ball…Horford turned down $30 mil to re-up and apparently Vucevic is not even worth that much…please.
If they want him back, they should be putting forth their best offer or something close. If that’s it, that’s it.
But negotiating from lower than market numbers with your own UFA rarely works.
kings will max him
This why loser teams keeps losing. This dude is not worth $100M. Magic should not increase their offer a dime.
What’s he worth?
Based on other contacts, I’d say his production last year warrants it. My hesitation is he hasn’t done it enough.
Haven’t they been wanting to trade this guy for the past 2 years? This has Hassan Whiteside written all over it.
do you even watch the NBA or just read clickbait?
Maybe 3 years ago, but I think not in the past 2. He got better and the new FO, more conservative… As we see from the 4/90. A passable center can be had for cheaper until Bamba is ready… which may be awhile.
literally an offer to save face with fans to say they tried
I bet they know what he will be offered and it’s a little more.
This is a real hustle backwards move.
Just roll with Bamba and try to move forward.