Nikola Vučević rumors: Orlando Magic to pay $11-12 million per year?

Although it has been a rough two years since the Orlando Magic traded center Dwight Howard to the Los Angeles Lakers in a four-team deal, one of the players the Magic acquired in the deal has been a real bright spot. Nikola Vučević, who was acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers in the deal, has become a double-double machine. However, Vučević is looking for an extension and the Magic may have to pony up and pay big bucks to keep him.

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Zach Lowe of Grantland believes the Magic may have to pay Vučević $11-12 million per season.

"After three years and 5,000-plus minutes, league executives still feel as if they are only beginning to learn about Vooch. But true starting centers get paid, and if Vucevic gets to free agency next summer after another strong season, there’s an outside chance some team desperate for size will toss a max offer sheet at him. I mean, JaVale McGee is making $11 million for being tall and goofy. Vucevic can actually play.The Magic can nip that process with an extension, but given Vucevic’s strong play, it may cost them $11 million or $12 million per season to do that. And that would be a bet — on Vucevic improving his defense and functioning on offense without much shooting around him."

The Magic also have to make a decision on forward Tobias Harris, so they have a lot on their plate at the moment.

Vučević averaged 14.2 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 50.7% from the field and 76.6% from the free throw line last season. In his three-year career, he’s put up 11.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.9 blocks and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 50.4% from the floor, 27.3% from downtown and 70.4% from the charity stripe.

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