NBA Trade Rumors: Magic exploring Aaron Gordon trades
Reports have surfaced that the Orlando Magic are open to trading fourth-year star Aaron Gordon. Where could he land, and what does this mean for the future of their franchise?
The Orlando Magic currently sit near the very bottom of the NBA standings. The looming trade deadline represents their last chance this season to unload players and bring in assets in hopes to correct the course of their faltering ship.
We’ve suggested five potential trade options to help them unload and rebuild around fourth-year forward Aaron Gordon and rookie Jonathan Isaac. However, reports have come out saying the Magic are exploring trade options for Gordon as well. These rumors cast an entirely new light on the Magic’s rebuilding plans.
Gordon is currently in the final year of his rookie deal and playing the best basketball of his career. The forward could bring his energy, athleticism, and 35 percent 3-point shooting to a team in need of a boost to their frontcourt rotation.
But Gordon is also the most promising, young talent on Orlando’s roster. If they’re willing to unload him, they’re either setting their asking price very high, or open and willing to blowing up their entire roster, and completely starting from scratch. Most likely both.
Gordon could certainly get the Magic a first-round pick in return, especially if the trade partner in question is looking for a piece to sure up a playoff run. Multiple picks in exchange for the 22-year-old budding star wouldn’t be out of the question either if he is moved to a team on the rise with the cap flexibility to retain him long term.
The Cavaliers could be a potential destination for Gordon if they’d be willing to part with the 2018 first-round pick they have from Brooklyn, and they’re not able to find a better package in return. However, this move would be but a half-measure for Cleveland. They need to do something to get better before the playoffs or risk losing LeBron James in the upcoming offseason. Trading for Gordon would certainly give them another piece for their run this year. However, the move on its own doesn’t seem like it would be enough to put them over the top. Trading for Gordon would be a hedge in case James leaves for greener pastures again.
A few teams in the middle of the pack in the East could be looking for a piece to potentially put them in position to win the seemingly wide-open conference this year. A trade to Milwaukee could bring in another young, versatile player to the Bucks, who have been looking for frontcourt help since trading away Greg Monroe earlier this season. Gordon would fit in well with the current rotation in Indiana, and the Pacers have the cap room to bring him right now if they wanted to make a push in the East.
Keep an eye on Oklahoma City out West if Gordon is going to be moved. The Thunder need to be doing anything they can to make a run this season and Gordon would certainly fit in nicely with their current rotation.
Next: Orlando Magic’s gameplan for the rest of season
If the Magic are willing to part with Gordon, their eyes must be set on the future. Any deals would most certainly center around Orlando receiving future draft picks, expiring contracts, and/or players even younger than the 22-year-old Gordon.
Let the rebuild in Orlando begin!