As the NBA trade deadline (March 25th) approaches, the Nuggets have been quiet in the majority of trade talks. A new report by Chris Sheridan of Basketball News, states Denver has had some trade conversations about Orlando’s Aaron Gordon. This season, Gordon’s averaging 13.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and a career-high 4.0 assists per game. He is also shooting 42.5 percent from the field on 11 attempts per game. Arguably, Gordon has become more know for his defense.
As of now, the Nuggets are ranked 15th in defense and third in offense. In the last eight games, they have the sixth-best defensive rating even with a strong defensive player like Gary Harris out for an unknown amount of time. It would be a smart move by the Nuggets to add Gordon as his defensive rating so far this season is 111.2. With the big three staying put, (Michael Porter Jr, Jamal Murray, & Nikola Jokic) Denver has plenty of other younger players and veterans to float into trade packages, as well as draft picks Orlando might be interested in.
Nuggets potential trade packages for Aaron Gordon
Package #1
Denver gets: Aaron Gordon
Orlando gets: Will Barton, Bol Bol, and a first-round pick
Although this could get Gordon, a report came out that the Orlando Magic want a first-round pick and a young talent. With Bol Bol being a young talented rookie, is that enough for the Nuggets to trade him for Aaron Gordon?
Package #2
Denver gets: Aaron Gordon
Orlando gets: Bol Bol and a first-round pick in 2021 and 2024
The Denver Nuggets are notorious for scoring great players in the draft in recent years so giving up two first-round draft picks is big. If the Nuggets want to make it further than last year, they must consider adding depth to their defensive game.
Package #3
Denver gets: Aaron Gordon and Terrence Ross
Orlando gets: Will Barton, Bol Bol, Gary Harris, and a handful of future picks
Terrence Ross is averaging 16.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists on an average of 29 minutes per game. Terrence is not only a good shooter but a good defender as well, which is what the Nuggets need. Then again, are the Nuggets willing to give up Will Barton, a starter, and Gary Harris, a starter when healthy?
Package #4
Denver gets: Aaron Gordon
Orlando gets: Gary Harris and two future picks
The Nuggets are very certain of keeping Gary Harris and making him get back to where he was in the 2017-2018 season. Harris averaged 17.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists on 40% shooting from three. With the uncertainty of his injury, there’s no telling when Gary Harris will step back onto the court this season.
Package #5
Denver gets: Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier
Orlando gets: Bol Bol, Facundo Campazzo, and Denver’s 2021 first-round pick
Evan Fournier, a guard for the Magic has averaged 19.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists this season. Fournier is a scorer and Gordon is a defender, with a new duo adding more to what the Nuggets already have. The team would improve not only their play but could make it back to the Western Conference Finals and further.
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