A new Pope in CHI, merry old St. Nik back to ORL

[Skybox]

*I can't take credit for the title, someone else had a different variation. But given the pun - we must explore it

ORL sends: Goga Bitadze, KCP, #25, ORL 26 frp (lottery protected)
CHI sends: Nikola Vucevic, Coby White

Why CHI: get a tough, young, inexpensive C to hold the line while draftee Maluach learns the ropes, elite vet defensive presence next to Giddey, TWO frps over this summer and next for immediate impact (or trades). CHI continues a steady ascendance as their young talent gels.

Why ORL: Get playmaking and floor-spreading at all 5 starting spots - at the cost of some of the overwhelming (redundant?) defensive depth ORL has.

[Mavrelous]

bump #25 to #16 and 26 should be top 4 protected, and I'd still hesitate if I'm CHI.

[SkyHook]

bump #25 to #16 and 26 should be top 4 protected, and I'd still hesitate if I'm CHI.

I like this revision, though I was expecting this thread to be about Stauskas.

[ChettheJet]

Goga is going to be 3rd string behind Collins and Smith so let's not make too much of him, he's zero threat from beyond the arc. Yes White is expiring KCP likely pick up his $21m option, he's already 31 years old to White's 24

This could be considered at #15 and next year 1-4 protected but the Bulls are giving up twp expiring contracts for 2 longer term guys so there goes flexibility out the window along with age. So it kicks the rebuild back a few years as Buzelis grows into a bigger role and they have to resign Giddey, would like to keep Huerter and resign Tre Jones while they take steps back for two years.

I've got to pass

[Snakebites]

Admit it: the title came before the trade in the thought process for this thread.

[Texas Chuck]

Change the first pick to 16, think lotto protections are just fine on the 26 1st.

[Ducklett]

Change the first pick to 16, think lotto protections are just fine on the 26 1st.

I think we need a third team to take goga for an asset or Magic keep goga if it is the 16. Vuc and Coby are getting to walk or get paid, which kills their value and they are getting 2 1sts out of the deal.

I honestly wouldn't do this in any way, but if I had to, those are the changes I would suggest. I love Vuc, but when he is done in Chicago with his contract, then I would talk to him about coming home and Coby is on the level of all of the Magic's guard targets.

[Skybox]

A couple seemed uninterested in Goga...who is the starting C then?

My thought was that Goga was good enough and priced right to be a placeholder on a rebuilding team and, eventually, a solid backup. Who is it that he's not good enough to back up? I don't think putting any bets on Collins is a smart move...he needs the Isaac treatment, but he can contribute. Collins on an expiring $18m...decent player, but I'd move on if I'm a rebuilding team...next summer

[pipfan]

I agree, no need for Goga-Bulls would have Collins and Smith, and they would draft at least one big at #12 or 16

Vuc would be an AWESOME backup center for Orl for a year

Could the Bulls send KCP elsewhere for an expiring?

[giberish]

Neither Goga nor Vuc would really be needed on their new teams. Vuc would be behind WCJ, Wagner and kin of Isaac at center. A role best suited for someone cheaper. While Chicago presumably is drafting a center option to go along with Smith and has Collins for 3rd string depth.

Overall I think the value is best with #16 to Chicago and the 2026 1st removed. Ideally re-route Goga to a team that needs a playable center on a reasonably cheap deal. (IMO Vuc is just EC filler in any reasonable deal - he makes too much for his low-end backup quality).

[Texas Chuck]

Neither Goga nor Vuc would really be needed on their new teams. Vuc would be behind WCJ, Wagner and kin of Isaac at center. A role best suited for someone cheaper.

Vuc is the best center of that group. Not sure why he's not playing in front of worse players? He's a much better offensive player than either and none of them are difference making defenders. Carter and Wagner protected by a great system and structure, but as individuals they aren't anything special.

I know we like to label older players as washed and just bad contracts, but Vuc can still play and those other two are JAGs.

[giberish]

Neither Goga nor Vuc would really be needed on their new teams. Vuc would be behind WCJ, Wagner and kin of Isaac at center. A role best suited for someone cheaper.

Vuc is the best center of that group. Not sure why he's not playing in front of worse players? He's a much better offensive player than either and none of them are difference making defenders. Carter and Wagner protected by a great system and structure, but as individuals they aren't anything special.

I know we like to label older players as washed and just bad contracts, but Vuc can still play and those other two are JAGs.

IMO Vuc is the worst defender of the group - even over Wagner and well behind WCJ and especially Isaac (a defensive specialist). If he's in an unsustainable hot shooting streak as he was early this year he might be slightly better overall but you can't count on that. He's an acceptable backup but Orlando already has a bunch of guys at somewhat above that level. In terms of trade value he's EC filler.

[Texas Chuck]

I agree he has no trade value. But if I have those 4 players to play at center Vuc and Isaac are playing and the other two are getting spot minutes.

[Magic_Johnny12]

Two FRP’s for two expirings doesn’t seem like good asset management to me. You’re almost forced to overpay both to retain.

Vucevic is the third maybe fourth big off the bench lol?

Getting off of Pope isn’t that dire and don’t think he’s being shopped as most people assume, I actually think Weltman alluded to that very point during his presser. Chicago isn’t in the best negotiation position, they resigned Lonzo and have Jones/White/Giddey/Ayo that all play the same position and all need a new contract.

Decisions are going to have to be made, Orlando best course of action is simply to wait and see how things unfold.

[Skybox]

Two FRP’s for two expirings doesn’t seem like good asset management to me. You’re almost forced to overpay both to retain.

Vucevic is the third maybe fourth big off the bench lol?

Getting off of Pope isn’t that dire and don’t think he’s being shopped as most people assume, I actually think Weltman alluded to that very point during his presser. Chicago isn’t in the best negotiation position, they resigned Lonzo and have Jones/White/Giddey/Ayo that all play the same position and all need a new contract.

Decisions are going to have to be made, Orlando best course of action is simply to wait and see how things unfold.

You're talking extension with Coby before you sign anything...If Vuc isn't happy, he walks and you settle for the cap space - we know him.

Vuc is obviously the starting C...bringing exponentially more offense, floor spreading, and rebounding...and an excellent example to Raynaud (#16)

Certainly don't HAVE to get off KCP...also, don't have to shed excess payroll or add offense to an impotent backcourt.

Don't even really have to try to improve -ORL has certainly done that over summers before.