The Boston Celtics are considered the forerunner to add Oron Magic forward Aaron Gordon, several sources confirmed to The Action Network on Monday night. While the framework of an agreement is being actively discussed and the leading offer is being considered, sources say no agreement has been reached on the agreement, and the Magic are expected to continue making bids until Thursday’s deadline.
The list of suitors for Gordon has increased over the past few days, with the Nuggets, Blazers and Mavericks, along with longtime suitor Houston Rockets, targeting Gordon during three-handed talks during the James Harden trade talks.
Houston in particular, and as previously reported by The Athletic, twice offered the first round to Gordon, but could not reach an agreement due to Gordon’s reluctance to sign an extension with Houston, sources confirmed.
Boston, several sources confirmed, hosted two first rounds. No other teams on the board have yet to reach that offer level. It is not yet known what types of protection are involved, but there is an assumption that there are some, if not significant, protections on the first round.
In addition, the framework involves Evan Fournier going to Boston, while the Celtics send a player, the two picks, and their Traded Player Exception uses the Gordon Hayward trade.
As for the player, the negotiations with the Magic continue, but prefer Marcus Smart, while Boston is reluctant to divorce with their years of emotional heartbeat and team defender.
Boston’s Traded Player Exception cannot be handled with another player, and sources suggest that the framework will include multiple offers as part of a larger framework.
The Denver Nuggets are considered another serious competitor with Will Barton, Bol Bol, and compensation for the assets offered. The Portland TrailBlazers are actively pursuing Gordon, but there is a growing sense from sources close to the talks that Portland will not be able or willing to match competitive offers.
A trade involving Gordon for Boston’s Traded Player Exception creates another TPE for the Magic and gives them a trading asset that they can use for future trades. There is still reluctance from sources not involved in conversations, that the Magic are actually trading with their core.
Gordon will become a free agent in the summer of 2022, giving teams a year and a half to evaluate his suitability, or to sign a long-term extension. Gordon scored 14.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game for the Magic, while scoring a career-best 40.2% of the three-point series.
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