The Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets are two teams in the Eastern Conference with hopes of contending in the playoffs. In order to further their chances to compete, a trade may be targeted at the NBA trade deadline. One name that both teams have interest in acquiring is Orlando Magic star center Nikola Vucevic.
According to a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic, both the Celtics and Hornets are interested in making a trade for Vucevic.
The Celtics and Hornets are among teams interested in Magic two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic, sources said. Rival teams expect that any haul for Vucevic would have to be massive. The 7-foot big man is having his best NBA season, averaging 24.5 points, 11.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 41.8 percent from 3-point range. Vucevic has spent nine of his 10 NBA seasons in Orlando.
Over the last few years, Vucevic has steadily been growing into a star with the Magic. He has become a lethal scorer, a great rebounder, and while he may not be a great defender, he has a high basketball IQ.
So far this season in Orlando, Vucevic has played in and started 36 games. He has averaged 24.6 points per game to go along with 11.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and a steal per game. Defensively, he has only averaged 0.6 blocks per game, but he is not known for being a rim protector.
Both the Celtics and Hornets need help in their front-court. They both have a strong back-court, but in order to compete they will need a better big man. Vucevic is a perfect target for both franchises.
At 30 years of age, Vucevic still has two years left on his contract after this year. Whoever ends up acquiring him will be getting a big man they can build around moving forward.
There is no question that the price tag it will take to acquire Nikola Vucevic will be high. He has a lot of value right now and the Magic aren’t going to move him just to make a trade. If either the Celtics or Hornets want to make a deal, they will have to pay up.
Expect to hear more about Vucevic as the trade deadline draws closer. At this point in time, the Celtics and Hornets are two teams to keep a close eye on in trade discussions.
