NBA Trade Deadline 2018: The 20 best players available

6. Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic

When Nikola Vucevic went down with a fractured metacarpal in his left hand in late December, it all but ended the Orlando Magic’s chances of pulling out of their ongoing tailspin. It also dealt a devastating blow to their chances of flipping the big man by the trade deadline, as he’s expected to miss six to eight weeks, according to Shams Charania of The Vertical.

Marc Stein of the New York Times reported the Magic are expected “to aggressively hunt for new homes” for Evan Fournier, Elfrid Payton and Mario Hezonja since Vucevic’s broken finger “is likely to preclude dealing the center.” If new Orlando team president Jeff Weltman and general manager John Hammond decide to host an all-out fire sale, though, perhaps the big man could be had at a discount for a team that isn’t in need of immediate help.

Vucevic is signed to a reasonable $12.25 million this year and $12.75 million next season, so any potential suitors wouldn’t have to swallow an exorbitant salary if they decide to trade for him. Though he remains a defensive liability, he’s a nightly double-double threat with newfound 3-point range, which would make him a valuable contributor on a team in need of frontcourt help.

The Magic may not be able to get much of value in return for Vucevic unless he heals more quickly than expected, so the decision of whether to trade him will come down to how desperate Weltman and Hammond are to shake up this current core. If they’re willing to sell low and move forward with Bismack Biyombo at center, the prized acquisition from the Dwight Howard megadeal a half-decade ago could be on his way out of Orlando.

Next: 5. DeAndre Jordan