The NBA trade deadline is now just days away and the Orlando Magic may be close to making a move — and this would be a big one.
The Magic and Boston Celtics have the framework in place for a deal that would send forward Aaron Gordon to Boston, according to multiple reports.
The deal also would include Magic shooting guard Evan Fournier, who is set to become a free agent after the season. In return, the Celtics would send two first-round picks and guard Marcus Smart to Orlando, according to Matt Moore of Action Network. In addition, the Celtics would use their Traded Player Exception (created when they sent Gordon Hayward to the Hornets before the season). However, because the exception can only be used on one player, it’s likely the two sides would need to engage in multiple deals, according to Moore and Sam Amick of The Athletic.
Moore also reported that while the Magic’s preference is to land Smart, Boston is reluctant to let him go considering his defensive and leadership skills.
There are no indications the deal is close to getting done, but what Boston has offered makes it the front-runner to get Gordon. In the meantime, the Magic are expected to field offers up until Thursday’s trade deadline.
Gordon reportedly requested a trade through his representatives, according to multiple reports. This comes on the heels of a report last week indicating Gordon would be “open to a change of scenery.”
Gordon, the team’s first pick of the 2014 draft and the fourth overall selection, has been connected to a number of teams, with the Warriors, Celtics, Nuggets, Rockets, Timberwolves and Trail Blazers all reportedly discussing deals with the Magic, according to Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic. The Rockets reportedly had been among the most interested, recently discussing a deal for Gordon. Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer reported the talks included Rockets shooting guard and former Magic first-round pick Victor Oladipo.
The Nuggets reportedly have put together a trade package that involves Will Barton, Bol Bol and draft compensation.
Gordon certainly brings a number of quality attributes, most notably his defensive versatility and rebounding, and his presence would make the Celtics — for example — a more dynamic defensive team. The Celtics, in particular, would like to improve their defense as they push for the playoffs. They are 2-5 since the All-Star break with a defensive rating (116.0) that ranks 27th in the league.
Adding Fournier would add another perimeter piece to an already potent offense, although the Celtics would be trading offense for Smart’s defense at the shooting guard spot.
Trading Fournier would give the Magic some compensation for a player who is set to become a free agent. He’s been in and out of the lineup because of various injuries (back spasms, groin strain) but has been efficient while he’s been on the court. He’s averaging 19.1 points and 3.8 assists while shooting 38.3% from 3-point range.
The Magic would have a few reasons for trading Gordon. First, the team has a logjam at power forward with Jonathan Isaac recently signed to a four-year extension, and rookie Chuma Okeke building his NBA resume. Orlando has reserve forward Al-Farouq Aminu under contract for the 2021-22 season. While Gordon has played the small forward spot, he’s better suited for power forward.
Second, Gordon’s free-agent horizon is drawing closer. He’s under contract through the 2021-22 season and would enter free agency in what would be his age 27 season. By then, the NBA could have a clearer post-pandemic financial picture and Gordon could be in line for a significant multi-year deal.
Gordon is averaging 14.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and a career-best 4.2 assists while shooting 40.2% from the 3-point line (also a career-high) in 23 games this season. He missed 15 games from Feb. 2 through March 3 with a sprained left ankle before returning March 12 against the Heat. Gordon played almost 14 minutes, then missed the next two games because of soreness in the ankle. He was back in the lineup last Thursday against the Knicks, then scored a season-high 38 points — going 7 for 8 from the 3-point line — the following night in a 121-113 win over the Nets.
