Nikola Vucevic is heading back to Orlando, and the move comes after he passed on more lucrative offers elsewhere. The veteran center has agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the Magic, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The deal brings Vucevic back to the franchise where he spent nearly nine years after arriving during the 2012-13 season. He has also kept a home in Orlando, underscoring the long connection that helped make the reunion possible.
A familiar return for the Magic
Vucevic first joined Orlando after his rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers and became one of the most durable big men of his era. He has hit at least one 3-pointer per game for nine straight seasons and has usually missed only a handful of games each year.
At 35, Vucevic just finished his 15th NBA season and split his most recent campaign between two teams. He was traded from the Chicago Bulls to the Celtics at the deadline in a move designed to give Boston extra depth and help the team avoid the luxury tax.
| Player | Deal | Team | Notable Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikola Vucevic | 1-year, $3.9 million | Orlando Magic | Returns after nearly nine seasons in Orlando |
| Jevon Carter | 1-year, $3.5 million | Orlando Magic | Agreed to stay after earning a rotation role |
Another retention move for Orlando
Wednesday also brought another agreement for the Magic, as free agent guard Jevon Carter signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal to remain with the team. ESPN reported that Carter finished the season in Orlando and earned a rotation role.
The Magic finalized Carter’s new deal Wednesday morning with Mark Bartelstein and Reggie Brown of Priority Sports, according to Charania. For Orlando, the two signings reinforce a roster that is bringing back a familiar face in Vucevic while keeping a recent contributor in Carter.