NBA Rumors: Magic May Consider Adding Russell But Lose Vucevic

The Orlando Magic made strides when they advanced to the 2018-19 NBA playoffs and pundits believe they are lacking some key players to fill in certain voids. That includes getting someone who is not afraid to take over when the game is on the line, a reason why D'Angelo Russell could be a potential target.

Still technically with the Brooklyn Nets, Russell has emerged as a popular name in the NBA free agent rumor mill. The consensus is that the Nets will re-sign the second overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers - even if D-Lo himself said that he wants Brooklyn to go after big name players first before directing their focus on him. Much of this was covered in a previous post.

However, the Nets would be foolish to overlook Russell who is incrementally gaining interest from other teams. In another post, it was mentioned that at least four other teams were interested in signing the 23-year-old guard. The Magic were one of those teams together with the Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Timberwolves and the Utah Jazz. These are teams in need of a credible playmaker and scorer and Russell fits that need.

As far as the Magic is concerned, Russell would address their issues when it comes to closing games. It is an undefined role last NBA season for Orlando with several players taking turns lifting the team against their opponents, Fansided reported. He would instantly address that need although it could come at a price. Nikola Vucevic, another player who had a breakout year, may have to be sacrificed since they cannot sacrifice him and get Russell - unless general manager John Hammond is able to crunch numbers. Either way, Orlando will have to sacrifice someone to make it happen.

But if the rumor mill is to be believed, Vucevic will not fall short of suitors. The Dallas Mavericks have been mentioned as a team interested in getting the Serbian. The 28-year-old is just waiting for the Magic's plans on him before making a decision. Orlando said that they will try to keep him at all cost although it could all boil down to the money on the table. The Mavs could offer him a five-year contract worth $140.6 million - numbers that Orlando will have to also consider. As of this writing, nothing has progressed although that all changes once NBA free agency comes around.