Denver Nuggets: 3 teams who could trade for Aaron Gordon mid-season
By Adam Taylor
Denver Nuggets: 3 teams who could trade for Aaron Gordon mid-season: New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans are another team that possesses a trade exception, and like the Celtics, the value of that exception sits firmly at the $17 million mark. Unlike Boston, the Pelicans project to have a respectable forward rotation, but outside of Zion Williamson, none of that rotation has the skill level of Aaron Gordon.
The Pelicans are down a star after seeing Lonzo Ball head for new pastures with the Chicago Bulls. The issue here is that Gordon’s best two positions are already occupied by rising stars Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. So how would this trade work?
Ideally, Gordon would accept a bench role, stepping into the line-up when Ingram or Williamson goes to the bench. Sure, he won’t be a starter by name, but there’s every reason to still believe Gordon will be close to stater minutes. Another option is that the New Orleans Pelicans also find some minutes as a small-ball 5 for Gordon, which would give the Pelicans much-needed spacing to allow their star wings more freedom to attack and facilitate out of the driving lanes.
The Pelicans also boast a number of exciting young players at both guard positions and have some mid-level veteran talent they could add to any potential trade package. But for the Denver Nuggets, the ability to create their own TPE (just like they could if dealing with Boston) will be the most enticing aspect of any potential deal.