Orlando Magic rumors: Nikola Vučević wants an extension
Orlando Magic center Nikola Vučević was the Magic’s biggest price in the four-team deal that sent center Dwight Howard from the Magic to the Los Angeles Lakers, Lakers’ center Andrew Bynum to the Philadelphia 76ers and swingman Andre Iguodala from the 76ers to the Denver Nuggets. The Magic landed Vučević from the 76ers and guard Arron Afflalo and forward Al Harrington from the Nuggets (both have since moved on).
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Since being dealt to the Magic, Vučević has developed into an excellent player. He has become a solid scorer and one of the game’s better rebounders. Although there are obviously deficiencies in his game, skilled big men like Vučević usually make big money in free agency, which is why the Magic don’t want to let him hit the open market.
The Magic are reportedly going to begin discussing an extension with Vučević and forward Tobias Harris “around Labor Day.”
According to Vucevic’s primary agent, Rade Filipovich, he wants to remain with the Magic.
“We are in favor, of course, to stay here for many years,” Filipovich told the Orlando Sentinel. “He loves this city, and Nicky likes to stay here. All the organization is very friendly and very helpful to Nicky. We don’t see that we’re going to have any problem to find a solution.”
“We don’t have any timetable. Nothing is set. But I know that both sides are willing to find an agreement for Nicky to stay for many years in Orlando.”
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.