NBA Trade Rumors: 3 teams that could target Nikola Vučević this month

It is fair to say that Nikola Vucevic is currently enjoying the best year of his career with the Orlando Magic. The Montenegrin is currently averaging 20.1 points, 12.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game and Vucevic has also managed to relegate the highly rated Mo Bamba to the bench.

Since being drafted 16th overall in the 2011 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, Vucevic has enjoyed patches of great form, although his career has always been held back by inconsistency. Nevertheless, in the last six months, Vucevic has added consistency to his game, and at the age of 28, the Center is now entering the prime years of his career.

In addition to this, Vucevic will also be entering free agency in the summer of 2019, and the former University of Southern California man continues to be linked with a move away from the Magic. With the Magic wanting to develop rookie Mo Bamba, Vucevic appears to have no long-term future in Orlando, and the franchise is believed to be open to trading the Slovenian away before the trade deadline. So, here we will look at three teams that should be interested in acquiring Vucevic this month.

#3 Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Laker is keen to add a second All-Star to play alongside LeBron James, however, with no All-Stars seemingly available this month, Vucevic could be the best option. There is no doubting that the 28-year-old would substantially improve the Lakers hopes of contending in the 2019 postseason, as the Orlando man's numbers are not far off from some of the best centers in the NBA.

Nevertheless, if the Lakers manage to acquire the Montenegrin, it would effectively be a six-month rental. The Los Angeles organization is desperate to acquire Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans this summer, so while the Lakers will be interested in Vucevic, it is highly unlikely that they will give up one of their 'young core'.

#2 San Antonio Spurs

Entering the 2018/19 NBA season, the San Antonio Spurs were expected to miss out on the playoffs for the first time in two decades. Nevertheless, Gregg Popovich has once again worked miracles with a shallow pool of talent, and at the midway point of the season, the Spurs sit 7th in the Western Conference standings with a 25-19 record.

Despite this, the Spurs roster is still in desperate need of additions, as for much of the season, the team has relied on the tactics of Popovich, and the on-court performances of DeMar DeRozan. The Spurs' playoff hopes would be substantially boosted by the addition of Vucevic, who during his seven years in the NBA, has averaged a double-double.

The Montenegrin could also serve as a long term replacement for the ageing LaMarcus Aldridge, and if the Spurs can acquire Vucevic in exchange for one or two squad players, it is a deal worth pursuing.

#1 Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics currently have a number of options at the center position, however, the team has surprisingly struggled this season, and a number of Boston players could leave before the trade deadline. Among these players is starting center Al Horford, who has a $30 million player option for the 19/20 season. The Celtics will need to rid themselves of Horford's contract if they are to pursue Anthony Davis in the summer, so the Celtics will be willing to take on Vucevic's expiring deal.

Meanwhile, the Magic will be very interested in taking on the Celtics point guard, Terry Rozier. The 24-year-old could potentially solve the Magic's long-term issues at the guard position, and Rozier would likely jump at the opportunity to finally play as a starter. Ultimately, this deal could work out for both sides, so keep an eye out for the Celtics making a move for Vucevic before the trade deadline.