The trade floodgates are now opened. The Orlando Magic have traded away their long-time franchise face and All-Star Nikola Vucevic to the Chicago Bulls. In return, the Magic receive 3rd-year big man Wendell Carter Jr. and Otto Porter. The news was reported by The Athletic's Shams Charania.
In addition to Carter and Porter, the Magic are also receiving first-round picks in 2021 and 2023, as reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Meanwhile, the Bulls will be getting back Al Farouq Aminu in the exchange to match salaries.
The Orlando Magic are trading Nikola Vucevic to Chicago for Wendell Carter Jr. and Otto Porter, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 25, 2021
The Bulls are sending the Magic 2021 and 2023 first-round picks in the deal, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
Nikola Vucevic has been dynamite for the struggling Magic this season. He's posting a career-high scoring average of 24.5 points per contest, to go along with 11.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 44 games thus far. His offensive efficiency is definitely what makes him so highly sought-after, with a rock-solid 48% from the field, considering he takes 6.5 threes per game at a sterling 40.6% clip. His defense is a different story, but he more than makes up for it as an elite offensive weapon.
Wendell Carter Jr. meanwhile might benefit from a change of scenery in Orlando. Expected by many to be a breakout candidate, the young Bulls big man has struggled this season. His numbers aren't much-improved from last season, while also dealing with a handful of injuries throughout his young career.
This deal represents two Eastern Conference clubs trending in opposite directions. The Magic have been a bottom-seeded playoff team for a while and are finally committing to a rebuild. The Bulls meanwhile are trying to build a postseason contender around their star in Zach LaVine. For what the teams are after, this trade could very well work out for both sides.
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