All-Star big man Nikola Vucevic has agreed to return to the Orlando Magic on a four-year, $100 million deal, his agent, Bill Duffy, told ESPN's Bobby Marks on Sunday.
Let's keep this thing going Orlando!!!
— Nikola Vucevic (@NikolaVucevic) June 30, 2019
Vucevic stayed healthy in 2018-19, and it showed in his play, as the 7-footer averaged a career-best 20.8 points, 12 rebounds and 1.1 blocks to help the Magic end a playoff drought that had dated back to 2012.
The 28-year-old Vucevic was named to the All-Star team for the first time and flourished under first-year Magic coach Steve Clifford, whom he credited with helping restore his confidence on the court.
"Wanting to play through me and give me the ball in spots that work for me, all those things help you grow as a player," Vucevic told reporters toward the end of the season. "The way he's been using me has been perfect; allowing me to play inside-out and giving me the freedom to use my skill set to do what I need to do."
Orlando's surprise run ended with a first-round playoff loss to the Toronto Raptors, who held Vucevic in check for most of the five-game series. After it ended, Magic president of operations Jeff Weltman said the team's "priority" was to re-sign Vucevic but acknowledged there would be competition for him.
"Vooch is going to have a lot of teams who will make him a priority for them, too," Weltman said.
"Hopefully we can get something done. It's the NBA, and I always say there's a lot of real estate between the intentions and what gets done."
Vucevic was first-round draft pick (16th overall) of the Philadelphia 76ers in 2011. He played one season in Philadelphia, then was traded to the Magic in August 2012 as part of the four-team deal that sent Dwight Howard to the Los Angeles Lakers.
In seven seasons with Orlando, Vucevic has posted averages of 16.8 points and 10.7 rebounds while shooting 50.4% from the field.
