Photo Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
The Orlando Magic are bringing back one of the most accomplished players in franchise history, agreeing to a one-year, $3.9 million contract with veteran center Nikola Vučević, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Vučević reportedly declined more lucrative offers from other teams to reunite with Orlando, where he spent 8½ seasons and remains one of the franchise’s most productive big men. The move gives the Magic added frontcourt depth behind Wendell Carter Jr. as the team looks to build on last season’s playoff appearance.
The 35-year-old returns to an organization where he earned two All-Star selections before being traded to the Chicago Bulls in 2021. That deal brought Carter Jr. to Orlando along with two first-round picks, one of which became rising star Franz Wagner. Now, Vučević reunites with both players as part of the Magic’s veteran rotation.
Magic continue reshaping bench with veteran returns
Orlando remained active in free agency beyond Vučević’s signing.
Veteran guard Jevon Carter agreed to return on a one-year, $3.5 million contract after carving out a rotation role late last season. Carter averaged 7.2 points, 2.3 assists and 2.1 rebounds in 30 games with the Magic.
The franchise also reached an agreement to bring back forward Jonathan Isaac on a one-year deal. Orlando had waived Isaac before his $14.5 million salary became fully guaranteed, reducing its financial commitment before negotiating a new contract. Isaac missed the final 22 regular-season games and the team’s first-round playoff series because of a sprained left knee after averaging 2.6 points and 2.5 rebounds in 52 appearances.
Vučević adds experience to Orlando’s playoff core
Vučević split last season between the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics. Before the Bulls traded him to Boston, he averaged 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists while shooting 37.6% from three-point range for Chicago. He finished the season with the Celtics, averaging 9.7 points and 6.6 rebounds across 16 regular-season games.
Originally selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2011 NBA Draft, Vučević arrived in Orlando before the 2012-13 season as part of a four-team trade. He developed into one of the league’s top offensive centers during his tenure with the Magic and now returns to provide scoring, rebounding and veteran leadership for a team aiming to take the next step in the Eastern Conference.
