Bulls' Nikola Vucevic 'Would Love' to Return to Magic

Nikola Vucevic played for the Orlando Magic for parts of nine seasons. Could a reunion be in the cards?

Jeremy Brener | Jan 11, 2023

Bulls' Nikola Vucevic 'Would Love' to Return to Magic /

ORLANDO - A fan favorite could be making his way back to the Orlando Magic soon.

Nikola Vucevic, who spent nine years with the Magic from 2012-21, said on "The Sixth Man Show" that he would be interested in a potential reunion with the team.

"That's something I would love to do," Vucevic said on The Sixth Man Show. "We'll see when that is possible, if that's realistic and how it works out. If anything, at least get one last year in Orlando. I think it's only right it happens, so we'll see. I feel like I have a lot of basketball left, but yeah, for sure that's something on my mind. I can't say it's not."

Vucevic, 32, was acquired in 2012 by the Magic as a rookie as a "throw-in" for the Dwight Howard mega-trade, but he ultimately ended up being the most valuable piece in the four-team blockbuster.

Vucevic evolved into an All-Star during his time in Orlando, averaging 17.6 points per game during his Magic tenure. He made the All-Star team in 2019, and then again in 2021, shortly before his trade to the Bulls.

The Magic gained quite the haul for Vucevic from the Bulls and that trade has set up the foundation for the current team that is building in Orlando.

Wendell Carter Jr. was the primary player in the deal, but Orlando also received a pair of first-round picks, the first being Franz Wagner. The second pick is set to convey for this year's draft, and it is once again projected to fall in the lottery.

The Magic continues to benefit from Vucevic even with him away from the team, but knowing a reunion could be in the cards someday should definitely excite Orlando fans.

You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Magic? Click Here.

Follow The Magic Insider on Facebook.

Follow The Magic Insider on Twitter.

Want even more Orlando Magic news? Check out the SI.com team page here.

Published Jan 11, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.