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.
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?
New Orleans Pelicans: Is Aaron Gordon a fit?
There are some questions about how Aaron Gordon would fit with the Pelicans as currently constructed.
He is not a floor spreader, though as I said, he is getting better in that department. However, there could still be problems with spacing, as Zion needs room to operate, Brandon Ingram likes to work in the mid-range and Steven Adams eats up a lot of real estate in the post.
Gordon mostly likes to play in the same spots, so there could be some spacing problems with the four of them on the floor at the same time. Of course, these wouldn’t be problems if Gordon continues to get better from behind the arc, but it’s reasonable to question whether he will ever be that type of shooter.
There are also some issues defensively, which is where the Pelicans need to focus their attention, as they are near the bottom of the league in that area.
If the Pelicans are going to add a high-profile player in a trade, shouldn’t it be a guy who is an elite defender? Gordon has the tools to be one and his versatility is intriguing but it’s also fair to predict that the Pels might be even worse with him in the mix.
Gordon’s fit is definitely questionable but it really depends on what the Pels would have to give up to get him. So what could a trade look like?
New Orleans Pelicans: What would it take to get Aaron Gordon?
Given his sketchy fit and injury history, trading for Aaron Gordon probably isn’t a great idea unless the Pels can get him for cheap, and with several other teams possibly in the running, that might be difficult.
Here is one trade that could get it done:
The Magic would be taking on an extra year of Bledsoe, so they get a first and second round pick as sweeteners in this deal.
They might have some interest in adding a veteran guard given their injury woes and get a late first-round pick and a second-rounder that should be near the top of the round.
Would this be enough? Probably not, as that Lakers’ pick isn’t worth much.
How about this one?
In this trade, the Magic go for an expiring contract in Redick and two project players that would look good as the beginning of a rebuild.
This would give them some young talent to build around, cap space for the offseason and they still get a second-round pick.
It’s difficult to gauge what an injured player is worth in the market, but this is probably more in line with what the Magic are seeking.
Will they get it? Tough to say.
In the end, the New Orleans Pelicans should only make a move like this if they are comfortable with what they are giving up, and that may not happen unless the Magic’s asking price is low.