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Eric Gay / Associated Press
The restart of the NBA season is understandably the center of attention, but the mill of voices seems to never stop churning out in the background.
Aaron Gordon is one of the most recent names to appear there.
“[The Orlando Magic] they were really trying to treat him before the deadline, but they weren’t recovering the resources they wanted, “said an executive from the Eastern Conference to Sean Deveney of Forbes.” It will be easier to move that contract when there are only two years left. It is probably the most likely name to exchange. It’s a good bet, he’s only 24. “
Gordon’s average score, the percentage of goals on the pitch and the percentage of the three points are all falling this season. It publishes its worst positive / negative box since its third season in 2016-17.
But that executive is right. There is still reason to believe that Gordon can improve. His flagship version could be a multi-position defender who can score nearly 20 points per game and even create a little for others. He simply wasn’t able to reach that peak in Orlando.
If that means it’s available, there are some teams that should take a break to acquire it and hope that it reaches the potential that made it number 4 in the lauded 2014 draft class.
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In Redmond / Associated Press
Orlando has been seeking an offensive boost at least until November. And the San Antonio Spurs may be able to supply it in the form of DeMar DeRozan.
If he collects his $ 27.7 million option for next season (and probably should, given the league’s financial situation and the fact that San Antonio is better when not playing), it could be the centerpiece of a deal involving Gordon.
The latter’s $ 18.1 million salary in 2020-21 is not large enough to make a direct exchange of these two jobs under the collective bargaining agreement, but Magic has agreements for salary matching purposes (simply adding the make-up Al-Farouq Aminu).
In such an arrangement, Orlando would get a proven number 1 marker. DeRozan averaged 22.2 points and, despite his insistence on not shooting at three, his real shot percentage is well above average.
The problem with DeRozan has always been on the other side. His teams’ defenses allowed more points for 100 possessions when he is on the floor in nine of his 11 seasons (their net points for 100 possessions have been worse when playing in 10 of 11 seasons).
There may have been some optimism that Gregg Popovich and the stability of the organization and the Spurs system could help, but it was more or less the same during the DeRozan period.
Perhaps Orlando and Steve Clifford, who had once managed to build an above average defense around Al Jefferson, could finally figure out how to successfully hide DeRozan on D.
With Markelle Fultz, Jonathan Isaac, Mo Bamba and others on the roster, there are multiple defenders who could theoretically cover DeRozan’s weaknesses. And if he is pressuring them on offense, perhaps they may have even more to offer on the other side.
For San Antonio, this move would be a nod to the long-awaited future. Kawhi Leonard’s trade was done all over the Internet, so we’ll leave him alone. In a nutshell, it’s time to bring the L there and move on with intriguing young talents like Dejounte Murray, Derrick White and Lonnie Walker IV.
By filling a line-up with those three, Gordon and Jakob Poeltl would give the Spurs a chance to defend in the top 10. And a more offensive responsibility for all five could encourage growth.
If not, go ahead again. Look for other young talent who may be able to bring the organization back into contention. Such movement is the nature of a reconstruction.
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Jim Mone / Associated Press
The Timberwolves of Minnesota have two fundamental pieces (at least in attack) to Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell. If they manage to sign a reasonable contract again, the looming free agent Malik Beasley also fits well.
Adding Gordon to that mix would make sense on some levels.
For one, it should theoretically help in defense. Over the course of his career, Orlando’s defensive assessment has been slightly worse with Gordon on the floor, but has the dimensions (6’8 “, 235 pounds) and physical tools to defend multiple positions and take on difficult tasks from which Minnesota could want to save KAT and Russell.
Offensively, he could work as a slasher inside while defenses have to focus on the perimeter threats of the two stars. This and the potential that opponents could send their best defenders to Towns, Russell and Beasley, could help improve Gordon’s efficiency.
Logistically, such an arrangement could require James Johnson to opt for the $ 15.8 million player option he has for 2020-21. His salary is close enough to Gordon’s that a one-to-one exchange works below the limit, and the flexibility of an expiring contract could attract Orlando.
Of course, 33-year-old Johnson is nearly 10 years older than Gordon, which means that Minnesota should give up some future activities to conclude a deal. He has already entrusted the first rounder of 2021 to the Golden State Warriors. So, barring any pick swaps, the first that could send another would be 2023.
Maybe that and a second rounder might be enough to get Magic to make a deal.
For them, this would be a long-term game. Johnson doesn’t fit the Orlando timeline, but the deal would open up more responsibility for Isaac, who may already be taking the role of Gordon.
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Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press
The Los Angeles Clippers have a lot of talent at the top of the list. 6’7 “Leonard and 6’8” Paul George are both attacking superstars who have the size and defensive ability to protect almost everyone.
Gordon is not close to their defense level, but has a similar physical profile. And the potential switchability of the formations, including all three, could be nightmarish (especially if Gordon develops further for this purpose).
Offensively, his role would be similar to Los Angeles as explained in the T’Wolves slide. It would clearly be the third or fourth option, which means less attention from opponents and potentially easier looks.
Also, having him under contract for next season and 2021-22 could be a potential cover against (or a reaction) to the free agencies of Montrezl Harrell and Marcus Morris Sr. If one or both of them abandoned this offseason, it would increase Gordon’s need.
The problem with this is what Clippers might have to give up to do it. As mentioned earlier, Magic are on the market for attack. This implies Lou Williams, who has been a fixture in the Sixth Year of the Year debates for apparently his entire spell in Los Angeles (and beyond).
And his contract isn’t big enough to trade alone. Clippers should include Patrick Beverley or Ivica Zubac (which doesn’t make much sense for a team with Nikola Vucevic and Bamba) to make the math work.
Losing a defensive stalwart like Beverley is Williams may be too big a pill to swallow.
But Gordon is bigger, younger and more athletic than both, and on the right side of his peak. And as the league continues to lean towards basketball with no position, its presence in the lineups with Leonard and George makes a lot of sense.
This is a bit of a bet, but the advantage could be worth it.
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Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press
When Kyrie Irving told the media that the needs of the Brooklyn Nets roster were “glaring” in January, members of the team with mobile contracts had to take note.
Spencer Dinwiddie agrees, and the desire to offend Magic should make him attractive.
With Kyrie sidelined for much of this season due to a shoulder injury, Dinwiddie averages 23.5 points and 7.7 assists per 75 possessions. He is currently 33rd in the league in the plus / minus offensive box.
At the age of 27, he may be three years older than Gordon, but he would give an instant boost to Orlando’s attack.
This is another deal that wouldn’t work, though. The addition of Dzanan Musa and Nicolas Claxton would satisfy the rules of the cap, but in Brooklyn it may seem that he is giving up too much. Would Orlando be okay by sweetening the deal with a second round pick?
It could be what it takes for Dinwiddie’s offense and Musa and Claxton’s potential.
For the nets, Gordon doesn’t give them a superstar to complete a Big Three with Irving and Kevin Durant, but he also has a positive side.
And with big names providing more than enough marks, Gordon could settle for a defending role, first as a playwright 4.
Contract information through Spotrac.
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