Raptors: 3 trades that could ruin Toronto’s fading playoff hopes

Raptors rumor No. 2: Miami acquires Nikola Vucevic from Orlando

Vuvevic, who has spent the last nine seasons in Orlando, is in the middle of one of the most peculiar seasons in recent memory. While he is last in the league in total plus-minus on a Magic team that is in contention for the top pick in the draft, Vucevic is setting new career-highs across the board, as he is scoring 24.6 points per game while pulling down 11.7 rebounds per contest.

Vucevic is under contract for two more seasons, which would give whoever tries to make a move for the former USC star optimism that he can be a building block for a couple of championship runs. If Orlando does intend to sell the Miami Heat could be interested in pairing him with Bam Adebayo.

While the return of Jimmy Butler has helped Miami overtake Toronto in the standings, the Raptors have more than a puncher’s chance at jumping over them in the standings. With Vucevic in the lineup, however, that could prove difficult.

Nikola Vucevic would give the Heat a huge edge over the Raptors

Vucevic is one of the best rebounders in the game and an impeccable finisher inside, but his value also comes into play on offense near the perimeter given his feathery touch. Some of the worst centers in the league have had field days against the Raptors this season, including Vucevic himself.

Vucevic is scoring despite the fact that Orlando doesn’t have a ton of depth around them. On a team like Miami, which could form another “Big Three” alongside Butler and Adebayo, Vucevic can leave competition like Toronto in the dust.