Orlando Magic re-signing Aaron Gordon is a step in the right direction

Aaron Gordon feels pretty magical after signing a four-year deal to remain in Orlando.

In your non-LeBron James news of the evening, Aaron Gordon is returning to the Orlando Magic on a four-year deal worth $84 million. ESPN’s Marc Spears was the first to report.

Gordon was a restricted free agent, so the possibility of losing him never seemed likely. They had the right to match any potential offer sheet and seeing as he’s arguably their best player, it would have been foolish to let him walk. Signing him to a deal before any offer sheet came shows a commitment from a franchise that hasn’t committed to much in their recent history.

Now, they have to find a way to build around him or with him. Gordon is 22 years old and has spent four seasons with the Magic. He’ll be playing for his fifth coach when the 2017-18 season tips off.

To say there has been a lack of stability in Orlando would be an understatement. Without a consistent voice on the bench or system around him, Gordon has shown inconsistencies of his own. He’s improved in each of his first four seasons but still feels like he’s leaving something on the table. He got off to a hot start last season, but injuries slowed him down and he looked like a different player in the second half of the season.

Gordon has all the tools combined with elite athleticism to be an All-Star. Obviously, he can’t get there alone. Orlando is still loaded with frontcourt players who often have to play out of position due to a lack of guard depth. Gordon has yet to play with even an average point guard during his four-year tenure.

Next: NBA Free Agency 2018 Tracker: Latest rumors, trades and signings

Hiring Steve Clifford was a positive first step. Locking in Gordon is a good second step. Now, Orlando needs to finally show the ability to walk without falling flat on their face.