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Is Trading for Vucevic Really the Right Move?

By Ryan Snellings

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 06: Orlando Magic Center Nikola Vucevic (9) shoots before a NBA game between the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers on January 6, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 06: Orlando Magic Center Nikola Vucevic (9) shoots before a NBA game between the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers on January 6, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 06: Orlando Magic Center Nikola Vucevic (9) looks on during a NBA game between the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers on January 6, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 06: Orlando Magic Center Nikola Vucevic (9) looks on during a NBA game between the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers on January 6, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The LA Clippers have been tied to rumors regarding trading for aNikola Vucevic, but is it really worth it to trade for the big man now?

Nikola Vucevic might be one of the bigger names to be moved prior to the trade deadline of February 7. The LA Clippers, who have struggled at the center position, have been tied to rumors centered around trading for the Magic’s big man. But does this make sense for the team both now and moving forward?

Vucevic is putting up career-high numbers. In his 46 games this season for Orlando, he’s scoring 20.5 points, bringing down 12.0 rebounds, dishing out 3.8 assists and blocking 1.1 shots per game.

At only 28, the big man will enter unrestricted free agency this summer. He will have a number of suitors, possibly including the Clippers.His play this season, which includes extending his range, could lead to him demanding a pretty sizable offer.

Vucevic has slowly morphed into the now prototypical NBA big man, becoming capable of scoring both inside and out. He’s shooting a little over three three-point attempts per game this season, converting on about 38%. While it’s not high volume, he is able to extend the floor and open the lane up.

Many sites, including The Ringer, have said Vuc could be a difference maker for any team that trades for him. Per their article:

"…Vucevic went from, like, the third-best dude in the NBA named Nikola to being seventh in real plus-minus and eighth in player efficiency rating, seventh in box plus/minus, and eighth in value over replacement player (VORP) this season is incredible. Orlando has posted a staggering minus-11.5 points per 100 possessions with Vucevic off the floor, but has played opponents a little better than even (plus-1.4) with him on it."

A likely deal could center around (pun fully intended) Marcin Gortat, Jerome Robinson and a heavily protected future first-round pick.

While there are a lot of positives regarding Vucevic, including his cheap $13 million contract,  there’s not a clear cut answer on whether or not the LA Clippers should make a move for him. Starting with the merits in trading for him, let’s take a look at the pros versus the cons.

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