Asked on Tuesday about his reported trade request, Magic forward Aaron Gordon acknowledged some frustration with his situation in Orlando and admitted that frustration had “boiled over.” But when he was asked if he still wanted to be dealt, Gordon didn’t say yes, talking instead about having developed a “sense of love and community” in Orlando.
Gordon’s reluctance to confirm that he still wants to be dealt may have been genuine. According to Adrian Wojnarowski on today’s Woj & Lowe Trade Deadline Special on ESPN, Gordon made his trade request several weeks ago and has been having some “second thoughts” about it within the last 24-48 hours.
That doesn’t mean the Magic won’t still trade Gordon, but they may not approach talks with the same urgency if the 25-year-old is no longer pushing for a change of scenery.
Here’s more on Gordon:
- The Celtics are continuing to focus their attention on Gordon, according to Chris Mannix of SI.com, who tweets that the odds of Boston acquiring Kings forward Harrison Barnes seem to be fading. Sacramento believes Barnes can be a key part of a playoff push next season, so they’re not feeling pressure to sell low on him now, Mannix explains.
- Wojnarowski also said on ESPN this afternoon that the Celtics appear to be “very serious” about trying to acquire Gordon.
- A report earlier today indicated Boston has offered at least a first-round pick and a young player. Orlando is believed to be seeking a second first-rounder. The young player in the Celtics’ offer is thought to be Aaron Nesmith or Romeo Langford, per Brian Robb of MassLive.com, who says Marcus Smart now appears unlikely to head to the Magic as part of a larger deal involving Evan Fournier.
- While the Rockets were viewed as the possible favorites for Gordon a few days ago, those discussions “seem to have fallen apart,” ESPN’s Zach Lowe said on the Woj & Lowe Special today. There’s still time for that to change, but if Houston isn’t confident in its ability to re-sign Gordon when his current contract expires in 2022, the team probably won’t be enthusiastic about giving up major assets for him.
They could have a 3-team trade with Oladipo going to Miami and Aaron Gordon to Houston. Then the Magic would get the necessary players for salary matching purposes and a couple of first round picks.
Gordon saw Houston coming, turned and ran.
Am I the only one who doesn’t understand why AG is such a hot commodity?!
Yes, he’s a freakish athlete and can guard multiple positions, but his outside shooting is inconsistent and generally below average, and he doesn’t hit free throws at a high clip. His per minute point and rebound numbers aren’t great, and he doesn’t block or steal the ball with any real effectiveness.
I get that he’s 25 and there is still time to grow, but there is a reason that Orlando has the 28th ranked offense, and AG is contributing to it.
Those are all good points, that’s why I think that Houston has a legitimate chance of getting him since no one else has shown a strong interest in acquiring him. A 3-team trade with Miami makes perfect sense given their mutual interest in Oladipo.
“No one else is interested in him”
Considering the page is saying Boston is doing everything to get him but a C’s fan I hope ur right I don’t want them getting him
If you’re getting traded for a mid first round pick and Aaron Nesmith you’re definitely not a “hot commodity”
Ainge telling Woj to say the Celtics are “very serious” about trying to acquire Gordon isn’t a positive sign for that deal getting done. Looks like he’s heading to Houston.
Heat or Knicks or anyone isn’t giving up much for Oladipo. Why are you still hanging his shorts. He’s damaged goods. Has not shown he’s healthy. He’s missed games and plays soft. Heat or Knicks can just watch him play. And then sign him as a FA. Why would they give assets for a player they can sign as a FA. Everyone knows he’s leaving Houston. You will get a player and a 2nd rd pick. Maybe ….. Powell is the hot commodity. Plays same position as Oladipo. He’s what Dipo was two yrs ago and healthy and still getting better. Probably cheaper too.
Rockets would be wise to go for Bagley and use Dipo (if they can) in a three way. Bagley still can be golden.
Gordon is going to Celtics. He’s a good mix there. They are a contender and big market. Nesmith, a #1, and Langford. Just get it done Danny stop biting your nails. Before I send Tree Rollins after you
The Sixers could use him
Any playoff team could