Pelicans trade rumors: Pels are interested in Aaron Gordon at deadline
Trade rumors around the New Orleans Pelicans have died down somewhat, but there is a new one that grabbed fans’ attention: the Pels are interested in Aaron Gordon.
I wrote about the possibility of the Pels acquiring Aaron Gordon a few weeks ago, and the Pels must have been listening (HA!) because rumor has it that they are interested.
The Pelicans are reportedly one of many teams that have kicked the tires on Aaron Gordon after the Magic made it clear that they might be willing to trade him in the right deal.
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The Warriors, Timberwolves and Nuggets are three other teams who have reportedly shown interest, so the Pels will have competition of they want the services of Gordon moving forward.
The question is whether they should be interested given his injury status, how he fits on the team and what it might take to get him.
In my opinion, if the New Orleans Pelicans can get Aaron Gordon without giving up a piece of their core, then they should go for it.
New Orleans Pelicans: Aaron Gordon’s strengths and weaknesses
It is important to note that Gordon is currently injured and probably won’t be back before the trade deadline, so trading for him will carry some risk.
But this could also make him easier to get, as the Magic won’t be able to ask for a huge package given his current status.
Gordon is mostly known for his high-flying athleticism and he would add another above-the-rim scorer to Zion Williamson.
Gordon has never been a volume scorer or shooter, but he can definitely run the floor, grab rebounds and can defend multiple spots ranging from small forward to center.
He’s not an elite defender, which is a problem, as the Pelicans desperately need one, but he can hold his own.
Gordon’s biggest weakness has always been his lack of range, but that is improving, as he was shooting 36.5 percent from long range on 4.3 attempts per game, so could add a stretch element to the Pelicans’ offense.
Other than that, how does he fit on the Pels’ roster?