Magic Trades Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon, and Evan Fournier Before Deadline

And so the Orlando Magic rebuild has begun.

The Magic were the most active team in the NBA’s 2021 trade deadline, dealing three of its top players before Thursday’s deadline.

Center, Nikola Vucevic, forward Aaron Gordon and guard Evan Fournier were shipped from Orlando to different destinations. Meanwhile,  reserves Al-Farouq Aminu and Gary Clark were collateral damage to two of the trades. The moves mean that four of the five players who started Wednesday’s 112-111 upset win over the Phoenix Suns are gone, including Fournier who made the game-winning basket.

Vooch to the Bulls

Orlando started the ball rolling by sending starting center Vucevic to the Chicago Bulls along with forward Al-Farouq Aminu. In exchange, the Magic received young stars Wendell Carter Jr. and Otto Porter plus first round picks in 2021 and 2023. Carter and Porter are expected to join Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz as the team’s new building blocks next season.

Vucevic is one of the three former All-Star players that were on the move on Thursday, with Victor Oladipo and Rajon Rondo being the others.

The 30-year old former 16th pick of the 2011 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers is averaging a career-high 24.5 points and 11.8 rebounds this season while shooting 40.6% from three-point distance.

Vooch is one of four players to average at least 24 points and 10 rebounds this season along with Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Joel Embiid. He is also on pace to become the first player in NBA history to average 20+ points and 10+ rebounds per game while shooting 40% from behind the three-point area.

Gordon’s Wish Granted

Then Orlando granted forward Aaron Gordon’s wish to be traded to a contender by sending the disgruntled big man to the Denver Nuggets along with back-up Gary Clark. In return, the Magic received guard Gary Harris, rookie R.J. Hampton, and a protected 2025 first round pick.

Gordon was Orlando’s 4th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. While he showed plenty of potential, he was never really able to blossom into a star in Orlando. Worse, the Magic were a combined 203-322 during his tenure with two first round playoff exits. The losing led to frustration and ultimately Gordon asked to be moved to a team where he will have the opportunity to develop and be a part of a winning franchise.

The 6-8 forward is averaging 14.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game this season. He will be a big boost to the Denver Nuggets’ expected playoff run this season. Clark on the other hand started 11 games for Orlando this season and averaged 3.4 points and 3.2 rebounds in 28.2 minutes of playing time per contest.

Picks for Fournier

The Magic also dealt sharp-shooting guard Evan Fournier to the Boston Celtics for two second-round picks. Fournier will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason and there were indications that he wouldn’t sign with the Magic. So rather than lose him for nothing in free agency, Orlando flipped him for a pair of draft picks who could help them with their rebuild.

Fournier is averaging a career-best 19.7 points per game this season while also issuing 3.7 assists per game. He is also making 38.8% of his three-point baskets, attempting a personal-best 7.2 triples per outing. For his nine-year NBA career, Fournier is averaging 14.4 points per game.

Boston was able to absorb Fournier’s $17M salary because of the massive trade exception they got during the Gordon Hayward sign-and-trade deal with the Charlotte Hornets. He is expected to provide instant offense for a Celtics team that is just 21-23 on the season. He is expected to provide instant offense for a Celtics team that is just 21-23 on the season. Hopefully this will improve their odds in the basketball betting scene.