The Orlando Magic's high-flying forward Aaron Gordon received interest from several teams leading up the NBA trade deadline earlier this month, including the likes of the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns. According to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, the Magic "tried hard" to work out a deal for Gordon, but ultimately decided against it. At least, for now.
According to Heavy.com, a source explained, “They were trying, and they tried hard to get something done with him at the deadline. All that gets brought back into focus once the season is over and you have a good idea what the market is for him.”
Gordon, 24, has been the subject of trade rumors throughout his six seasons in Orlando and it certainly seems as though those rumblings will persist into the off-season. At the very least, the Magic will continue to explore every avenue. Days before the NBA trade deadline, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski explained:
"Aaron Gordon's a player they've had some discussions about," Wojnarowski said on his podcast with Bobby Marks (H/T Bleacher Report). "I think it's a tricky one to trade him now, with the season-ending injuries to Jonathan Isaac, to Al-Farouq Aminu. ... If you're going to move Gordon and you want to try to stick around in the playoff chase...you've got to get back a significant amount.
"I think, for Orlando, if there's a significant return, I think they would be open to it. But I don't know if that deal is out there."
Gordon still has two years remaining on his contract - he is due $18.1 million in 2020-21 and $16.4 million in 2021-22. He is currently averaging 14.2 points, 7.3 rebound and 3.1 assists per game.
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NBA Trade Rumors: Knicks Interested In Warriors’ D’Angelo Russell
Knicks, Wolves reportedly in conversations with Golden State.
The week of the NBA trade deadline is upon us and there are several superstar players that could be on the move. Most notably, Golden State Warriors point guard D'Angelo Russell.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania and Jon Krawczysnki, the Warriors have received plenty of interest in the 23-year old All Star, including the likes of the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Charania and Krawczysnki mention that Golden State is seeking "significant draft pick compensation" in return for any Russell trade, but the Wolves have reportedly been hesitant to mortgage their future as they are amidst a rebuild themselves. Specifically, Minnesota has been unwilling to include their 2020 unprotected first round pick in negotiations.
“There is a deal to be had here,” one source said, “but something would have to give.”
The Knicks, meanwhile, are currently sitting at 14-36 for the season, which is fourth worst in the NBA. Needless to say, the team is expected to hang on to their 2020 draft pick in hopes of landing the top selection in June. SNY's Ian Begley reports that the Knicks' 21-year old point guard Frank Ntilikina and veteran forward Bobby Portis have both come up in conversations between New York and Golden State.
Begley writes:
"Some people around Russell said over the summer that he was open to the possibility of signing with New York because he liked the city and he was intrigued by the idea of competing so closely with the Nets -- the team that decided to sign Kyrie Irving instead of bringing him back."
Whether or not these trade talks materialize remains to be seen, but we'll find out soon enough as the league's trade deadline is rapidly approaching on Thursday, February 6th at 3pm ET.
