Scott Audette/Getty Images. Pictured: Aaron Gordon.
The 2021 NBA trade deadline is heating up! We’re tracking every move on deadline day, including how futures odds could be impacted with Aaron Gordon reportedly on his way out of Orlando.
Trade Details
According to The Action Network’s Matt Moore, the Orlando Magic are sending Gordon and Gary Clark to the Denver Nuggets for Gary Harris, rookie RJ Hampton and a protected 2025 first-round pick.
Gary Harris, RJ Hampton, and a 1st round pick to Orlando for Aaron Gordon, per source.
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) March 25, 2021
Aaron Gordon to Nuggets Analysis
The Nuggets have waited for three years to find a deal they could go in on without compromising their roster or future, and Gordon fits the bill. Denver’s biggest liability this season was defense. Gordon provides that, along with being a great passer and a 40% shooter from behind the arc this season.
The Nuggets had been in need of more size, and had found their best lineups were with Michael Porter Jr. at 4. The trade allows them to move Will Barton to shooting guard, start Gordon at 3, and move Porter to 4 full-time. Gordon does much of what Jerami Grant did for the Nuggets last year, and the Nuggets consider Gordon to be a defensive upgrade.
Gordon likely doesn’t get them past the (healthy) Lakers even if it gives them a better chance. But it will make them more formidable in future playoff series and on a night-to-night basis after Gordon settles in. — Matt Moore
How the Trade Impacts Odds
The Denver Nuggets have moved from 25-1 to win the NBA title to 20-1 at DraftKings. The currently sit behind six teams on the odds board — Lakers, Nets, Clippers, Bucks, 76ers and Jazz.
