Aaron Gordon apparently wants the Magic to trade with him. But not just everywhere. Gordon prefers to join a team that wants to make a playoff game.
The Celtics would probably qualify.
Even at 21-22, Boston has impressive young talent. The Celtics would be even more formidable with Gordon – though it could get complicated with a bigger deal that also includes Evan Fournier and Marcus Smart.
Matt Moore of The Action Network:
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.
Boston, several sources confirmed, hosted two first rounds.
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.
The Celtics could fit Gordon into their trade exception. They will have to match Fournier’s salary of $ 17.5 million.
But Smart (if I assume he’s healthy) is better than Fournier.
So, Boston may offer to pay too high a price.
It has been said that it is impossible to judge the value of the first round without knowing their protection. Gordon will also be more valuable to the Celtics if he signs an extension. Boston could use other players (like Tristan Thompson) for salary adjustment rather than Smart.
With Gordon Hayward’s departure, the Celtics lost much of the versatility that made them thrive. Although Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown played well this season, Boston had a huge competitive advantage with three wings that opponents had to account for. Gordon and Fournier could help replace some of the production – Gordon more from the interior, Fournier more so on the perimeter.
As much as Gordon and Fournier would help the Celtics, I would be surprised if Boston Smart sends to Orlando. But there are many structures that can take this deal by the deadline on Thursday.