Fansided

NBA Free Agency 2019: 20 best players available

By Brendon Kleen

Mandatory Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images /
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ORLANDO, FL – APRIL 19: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball against the Toronto Raptors during Game Three of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2019 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – APRIL 19: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball against the Toronto Raptors during Game Three of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2019 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

14. Nikola Vucevic, C, Orlando Magic, Unrestricted

It’s hard to imagine right now that what Orlando has on its roster is enough to push them over the edge toward Finals contention, but certainly, the question is magnified if they decide to pay Vucevic market value.

The Swiss big man will be 29 next season, meaning he doesn’t fit incredibly well next to the Magic’s young core of Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac, Wesley Iwundu and (maybe) Mo Bamba. When you bring up Bamba, the poor fit of Vucevic in Orlando’s long-term plans is, of course, intensified, considering it’s inconceivable to play both of those guys together. However, Vucevic just led the Magic to their first playoff appearance in nearly a decade and has gotten better just about every season of his career. As a defender, he finally showed he can be part of a good regular season unit under Steve Clifford.

The only places Vucevic really makes sense if he were to leave the Magic are teams filling out their rosters around a superstar free agent. Many believed the Lakers could be interested at last year’s trade deadline before the Anthony Davis fiasco overtook Los Angeles’ plans, and now that Davis has partnered with LeBron James in the city of angels, perhaps the team might revisit Vucevic to play center alongside Davis.

The same could be said of the Clippers if they are able to woo Kawhi Leonard away from the defending champion Raptors. Perhaps the Knicks would give some money to Vucevic this summer to play with their young guys during the year Kevin Durant is rehabbing his ruptured right Achilles’ tendon.

If Orlando can sign Vucevic for anything lower than his $20 million cap hold, that’s a solid contract. There aren’t many obvious suitors, and you don’t want to let him walk for anything.

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