After one of the most exhilarating NBA Trade Deadline days in recent memory, it’s time to sort out some of what just happened. One of the day’s biggest blockbuster trades stems around the Orland Magic sending Aaron Gordon to the Denver Nuggets. The Magic will receive Gary Harris, R.J. Hampton, and a first-round pick in return. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski first reported the news via Twitter.
The rebuild is in full swing for the Magic while Denver gears up for a championship run. Check out some grades for this blockbuster NBA Trade Deadline deal.
Gary Harris, RJ Hampton and a first-round pick to the Magic for Aaron Gordon, source tells ESPN. https://t.co/VWMUVCokeS
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
NBA Trade Deadline: Denver Nuggets Trade for Aaron Gordon
Denver Nuggets Eye Championship After Adding Aaron Gordon
The Nuggets have officially made their biggest push to earning championship contender status. Denver added the explosive Gordon at today’s NBA Trade Deadline. Gordon, a seven-year combo forward, immediately slots into Denver’s starting rotation. The explosive athlete adds a level of legitimate depth to this roster, which sits fifth in the Western Conference with a 26-18 record.
Currently, Gordon averages 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists this season. He’ll provide a huge impact on multiple levels for his new squad. For starters, the 6-foot-8 forward is an above-average defender with some versatility thanks to his athleticism.
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Gordon should thrive with the combo of Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic. He’s a low-touch option at forward. He provides a scoring threat and lob-threat without the ball in his hands. Denver’s starting lineup also slots Michael Porter Jr. into the other forward position. This leaves Paul Millsap the ability to lead the second unit off the bench.
Denver will be a nightmare to game plan against defensively once the playoffs roll around.
Grade: A+
Orland Magic Continue the League’s Biggest Rebuild
For Orlando, it’s all about the rebuild. The Magic currently own one of the league’s worst records at 15-29. They sit 14th in the Eastern Conference standings. Orlando has already sent away three of their highest-scoring options by trading away Gordon, Nikola Vucevic, and Evan Fournier.
This is the best deal that Orlando has found today in terms of finding a return with immediate impact. Harris is the most talented player on Orlando’s current roster alongside Terrence Ross. His role as a scoring option should climb drastically. The stats will follow. Harris averages 9.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per night. These stats are less than one would think because of Murray and Jokic’s role in Denver. He also shoots better than 45 percent from the field in his career.
Orlando added another first-round draft pick while grabbing Hampton. Hampton is a highly-touted 20-year-old prospect with plenty of time to grow into his game. Reports also indicated that Gordon has grown so unhappy in Orlando, he made an official trade request earlier this week.
Grade: B
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