National Basketball Association

Magic, Nikola Vucevic make contract extension official

Published Oct. 23, 2014 5:30 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Orlando Magic announced the signing of a contract extension with Nikola Vucevic, their starting center of the past two seasons.

While terms were not disclosed, reports earlier in the week had the extension worth $54 million over four years beginning with the 2015-16 season.

"Today is an exciting day for Nik and his family, as well as our entire organization," Magic general manager Rob Hennigan said in a statement released by the team. "Since arriving in Orlando, Nik has demonstrated consistent work habits and a constant hunger to improve. He's a high character, team-first player. We are proud of his development and are looking forward to continuing to grow together."

The Magic had until Oct. 31 to reach an extension and keep Vucevic from becoming a restricted free agent next summer. They are looking at the same deadline with forward Tobias Harris. Both Vucevic and Harris were first-round draft picks in 2011, although they came to the Magic later on via trades.

Orlando acquired Vucevic from the Philadelphia 76ers in August 2012 in a four-way deal that sent Dwight Howard, the organization's all-time scoring and rebounding leader, to the Los Angeles Lakers. The 7-footer, who turns 24 on Friday, started in 57 games last season, averaging 14.2 points and 11 rebounds.

Vucevic scored in double figures 46 times and collected 20-or-more points in 11 games, including matching a career high of 30 points against the Los Angeles Clippers on Nov. 6, 2013.

You can follow Ken Hornack on Twitter @HornackFSFla or email him at khornack32176@gmail.com.