Denver Nuggets: 3 players who might not finish the season in Denver
By Adam Taylor
Denver Nuggets: 3 players who might not finish the season in Denver: Aaron Gordon
Word on the street is that both the Denver Nuggets and Aaron Gordon are optimistic about reaching a contract extension.
"“There is mutual optimism, league sources told The Denver Post, about a contract extension for Gordon.” – Mike Singer, Denver Post"
It’s been two weeks since that report first hit the newswire, and we’re still waiting to see the Nuggets and Gordon commit to each other long term. The problem is, Aaron Gordon didn’t provide the roster with the consistent additional punch they were hoping for.
Gordon’s narrative was that he was miscast during his time with the Orlando Magic and that by stepping into a lesser role on a contending team with established stars, he would thrive as a tertiary option. Granted, the Jamal Murray injury threw a spanner in the works almost immediately, but Gordon was still playing second fiddle to Nikola Jokic.
With less playmaking responsibility, Gordon should have thrived as a secondary play finisher and shot creator but struggled for consistency, as shown in his first-round playoff performance vs. his second-round performance.
Until both parties have agreed to a long-term partnership in the form of a contract extension, there’s every possibility Aaron Gordon could find himself as part of a mid-season trade. However, any move that would see Gordon head for new pastures wouldn’t be a peripheral trade; no, Gordon is too good to throw in on a larger deal.
The Denver Nuggets would surely be looking to recoup a similar package to the one they gave up to get their man at last season’s trade deadline, meaning there are limited trade partners to dance with.