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Golden State Warriors Trade Scenario: Should the team consider Nikola Vucevic?

By Justin Lee

SAN ANTONIO, TX - FEBRUARY 29: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic reacts after a basket against the San Antonio Spurs during first half action at AT&T Center on February 29, 2020 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - FEBRUARY 29: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic reacts after a basket against the San Antonio Spurs during first half action at AT&T Center on February 29, 2020 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors are on everyone’s mind lately with their No. 2 pick. Their 2021 pick from the Timberwolves also has a lot of value, giving them options.

The Golden State Warriors trade rumors are back, and of course, there are multiple teams that are wanting that top pick. However, in this trade scenario, it’s a different pick teams are wanting.

Last season when the Warriors traded D’Angelo Russell to the Timberwolves, they sent back a 2021 first-rounder that was top-three protected. This pick has a lot of value as well, as the Timberwolves still may not be very good.

So what exactly would the Warriors be sending and receiving in this trade?

What the Warriors are receiving

In this trade, the Golden State Warriors are receiving an All-Star center from the Orlando Magic. Nikola Vucevic is a player that many people may not know well, but he is very underrated in my opinion.

Vucevic just recently resigned with the Magic on a three-year deal worth $26 million each year. That is $3.5 million less than the terrible Andrew Wiggins contract that Minnesota signed him for.

Vucevic would fit in great with the Warriors. He can really do everything, and he can do everything very well. Vucevic has averaged a double the last two seasons. In 2019 when he made the All-Star team, he averaged 20 points and 13 rebounds per game that season.

In the playoffs this past season, we saw Vucevic carry his team in the first round against the Bucks. He recently expanded his game and hits the open three very consistently. He can space the floor and rebound well, two things Steve Kerr loves in his frontcourt players.

What the Magic would receive

The Orlando Magic would get back quite the load in this trade. They would receive Andrew Wiggins from Golden State as well as two draft picks.

The first pick is a 2021 first-round pick that the Warriors received from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite having the No. 1 overall pick, the Wolves still aren’t projected to be a playoff-contending team.

The second pick they would receive is a 2020 second-round pick from Utah. This pick isn’t the best in the world, but it’s an asset nonetheless.

Giving the Magic the picks would allow them to get a chance at a rebuild but at a faster pace. This way they don’t have to go through the very tough losing period to get high picks all in an effort to get the complementary pieces for players like Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac.

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Giving away Vuceviv also allows the Magic to show how much faith they have in Mo Bamba. Pairing him with Johnathan Isaac and Andrew Wiggins would be a great young trio in the league and one the Magic could move forward with for the long-term future.

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