ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 25: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic shoots a free throw during the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Amway Center on January 25, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
The Orlando Magic continued its move towards a rebuild by trading Aaron Gordon to the Denver Nuggets. The agreed deal will have Orlando receiving Gary Harris, R.J. Hampton, and Denver’s protected 2025 first-round pick in exchange for Gordon and Gary Clark.
Orlando used the trade deadline to offload players for assets in an effort to rebuild the franchise. The Magic even traded away their best player, Nikola Vucevic, in a separate deal to the Chicago Bulls.
Gordon had asked the team for a trade because the forward was “frustrated” with the team’s performance and direction. “There’s been times where I just expressed my frustration to management,” Gordon said. “Frustration with the losses, the injuries, the way we’ve been playing, and how many losses have accumulated over the years.”
Orlando drafted Gordon in the 2014 NBA Draft with the No. 4 pick. During Gordon’s tenure with the Magic, the team piled up a 203-322 record, only reaching the playoffs twice. In both playoff appearances, Orlando was knocked out in the first round.
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Gordon is averaging 14.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game this season. Denver will benefit greatly from another player who is capable of putting the ball in the hoop. The forward is known for his ability to drive to the rim. Gordon will also bring a strong defensive presence to his new team. Gordon is expected to be named a starter for the Nuggets. He will be a great addition to last year’s Western Conference runner up.
Orlando continues to stockpile future draft picks. They also get a rookie player in the deal in Hampton. Hampton has not see much playing time in Denver, but that will change with his new team. The Magic also got Harris in the deal, who will bring his veteran leadership and defensive ability to a team that sorely lacks both.
Overall, this was a good deal for two franchises going in two very different directions.
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