20 things to look forward to this NBA offseason

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 10: Arizona forward Deandre Ayton (13) reacts to a call during the championship game of the mens Pac-12 Tournament between the USC Trojans and the Arizona Wildcats on March 10, 2018, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 09: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball while being guarded by Jabari Parker #12 of the Milwaukee Bucks in the first quarter at the Bradley Center on April 9, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

12. Will the Magic match any offer for Aaron Gordon?

Nearly six years after trading away Dwight Howard in a four-team blockbuster, the Orlando Magic remain mired in the early stages of a rebuild. They have yet to top 35 wins since Howard’s departure, and they lack the type of franchise player he once was for them.

Aaron Gordon, the fourth overall pick in 2014, may be Orlando’s best hope for now.

After the Magic inexplicably played Gordon out of position for much of his sophomore and junior seasons—remember when they planned to use him like Paul George?—they shifted him to his natural power forward spot this past year, only to see him flourish. The 22-year-old erupted for a career-high 17.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 32.9 minutes per game across his 58 appearances, cementing his case for a fat payday.

When asked during his exit interview what his ideal situation would be in free agency, Gordon replied, “Ideal is max. God, that would be ideal: three letters.”

According to Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports (via Philip Rossman-Reich of Orlando Magic Daily), the Magic “are aware they need to go to max numbers” to retain Gordon this summer. He expects them to do just that, as the Magic know they have “too much invested” in him to allow him to walk as a free agent.

Restricted free agency tends to cool players’ markets, so the Magic may not even need to go that high to retain Gordon. But if he does sign a max offer sheet with another team, Orlando’s willingness to match bears watching.

Next: 11. Do the Timberwolves shake up their core?

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