On Monday morning, multiple reports named the Magic’s Aaron Gordon as one of the Celtics’ main interests leading into Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. In the hours since, it appears his status has been upgraded.
According to a Monday night report from Yahoo’s Keith Smith, there’s been traction both ways on Monday. Smith tweeted that Gordon “has put the Boston Celtics near the top of the list of teams he would like be traded to,” while Boston “has moved to Gordon as their primary target” for the deadline.
What will it take to get a deal across the finish line? According to Smith, Orlando is looking for “two first round picks and a young player…ideally a wing.” That’s a price the Celtics can certainly match – they own all of their future first round picks, and have a cache of young wings from the past few drafts.
Matt Moore of The Action Network is reporting the Celtics are the only team so far to offer two first-round picks. He adds that Orlando is looking to add Marcus Smart, who the Magic are ‘reluctant’ to part with. Evan Fournier and Boston’s $28.5 million TPE could also be involved. Moore made no mention of any of Boston’s young wings.
Keep in mind Gordon would represent more than just a rental for the Celtics. His deal runs through 2022, with the 25-year-old due $18.1 million this year, then another $16.4 million next season..
If he can acquire Gordon, Danny Ainge would add yet another big, physical, versatile wing that he’s coveted in recent years. The 6-foot-8, 235 pound Gordon is averaging 14.7 points and 6.8 rebounds a game this year for Orlando, while shooting 44.2 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from three.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
