With about 24 hours to go until the NBA trade deadline, we’ve got yet another layer added onto the rumors regarding the Celtics pursuit of Magic forward Aaron Gordon. Talks involving Gordon have been heating up since Monday night, when it was reported he was Danny Ainge’s “primary target” at the NBA trade deadline.
Appearing on ESPN’s trade deadline special Wednesday afternoon, Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Celtics are still “very serious” about trading for Gordon. However, Woj also mentioned that Gordon, who requested a trade earlier this week and named Boston as a preferred destination, has been rethinking that request.
This came shortly after Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald reported the chances of Gordon being traded to Boston are “still alive.” At the same time, he mentioned a potential sticking point in terms of the compensation.
Initially, it was reported that the Magic were looking for a young player – ideally a wing – and two first round picks in return for Gordon. That developed into the Celtics potentially including Marcus Smart, with the potential of Orlando sending more than Gordon back to Boston.
Now, Murphy is reporting that the Celtics are including a young player in their offer, but are not making Marcus Smart available in the deal. He also says Ainge is “trying not to include” a second first-round pick in the deal.
Ainge has been reluctant to move future picks in the past. However, it’s been over half a decade since his team was hovering around .500 at the deadline. Will that lead to a different approach this time around?
With a day to go until the decision has to be made, it looks like the Celtics and Magic may be locked in a game of chicken. Orlando has other suitors for Gordon, and the Celtics have been linked to plenty of other players. So while the potential trade may still “be alive,” it hardly seems like a guarantee right now.
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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.
