Heat express ‘significant interest’ in Nikola Vucevic

Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer reported Monday that the Miami Heat are one of several teams that have “expressed significant interest” in Nikola Vucevic. However, O’Connor added that front office executives are skeptical that the Orlando Magic will trade Vucevic, given that he has two years left on his contract.

Trading for Vucevic would address an issue that has plagued Miami all year long — the starting front-court spot next to Bam Adebayo. Unlike potential trades for power forwards like Rudy Gay, Harrison Barnes or P.J. Tucker, Vucevic would end up playing center and shifting Adebayo to the four.

This season, Vucevic is shooting 41.2 percent from 3-point range on 6.5 attempts per game. Considering Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro and Kelly Olynyk have all dipped in their 3-point shooting this year, Vucevic could help.

Like O’Connor said, it’s tough to see how a trade happens, though. How much would Miami be willing to part with to satisfy the Magic? Vucevic has made the All-Star team two of the last three seasons, so the Heat couldn’t get him with just aging veterans on expiring contracts. Would the Heat be willing to give up Herro or Robinson? Precious Achiuwa?