Denver Nuggets: 3 reasons to love the Aaron Gordon extension

Aaron Gordon has committed his future to the Denver Nuggets. The forward, acquired at the 2020 NBA trade deadline, has put pen to paper on a contract extension worth $92 million over the next four years. The extension will run concurrently with his current contract, effectively keeping the Denver Nuggets third star in the Mile High City for five years.

Rumors of this extension began circulating towards the end of August, with the Denver Post’s Mike Singer originally keeping fans updated on the process.

"“There is mutual optimism, league sources told The Denver Post, about a contract extension for Gordon. A new deal could come as early as this week, a source said. Gordon is eligible for a four-year, $88 million extension. One source projected a deal could be for two or three years at an average annual salary of $20 million to $21 million per year.” – Denver Post, Mike Singer"

Aaron Gordon’s first few months in a Denver Nuggets uniform produced mixed results, with him clearly struggling to fill some of the offensive load left behind by the injured Jamal Murray. Still, Gordon’s defense was often effective on opposing wings, and his athleticism added a new dimension into the Nuggets offense.

Against the Phoenix Suns, Gordon struggled to assert himself on either end of the floor, leaving a slightly bad taste in people’s mouths after some of his earlier showings. However, with Jamal Murray due to return at some point this season, and another off-season of developmental growth for Michael Porter Jr, things could be far more copacetic this time around.

Also, you have to give Gordon a little bit of wiggle room here. He came into a new system and found himself thrust into a larger role than expected quite quickly. There are always going to be teething issues when bedding into a new situation. It just hurts that those issues happened during the playoffs.

Gordon and the Nuggets put last season behind them, it would seem, which should allow both the coaching and playing staff ample time to begin working on the game plan for next season. Sure, Aaron Gordon signing his contract extension is a huge bonus to the Nuggets, who could have lost their man for nothing in free agency next summer, but there’s more to be excited about.

3 reasons to love the Aaron Gordon extension: A legitimate Big 3

Aaron Gordon was acquired to form a big-3 with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, and now we can be sure that unit is here for the long haul. Honestly, we could potentially be looking at a big-4 if Michael Porter Jr continues on his current developmental trend. At worst, the Denver Nuggets will have Jokic, Murray, and Porter Jr on offense and then switch in Gordon for defense.

The team’s versatility is now stacked. It’s not like this unit has added a new piece, but there’s something to be said about stability and how freeing it is.

Most contending Western Conference teams boast a serious big-3, or in the case of both LA teams, a top-10 pairing. Aaron Gordon ensures the Denver Nuggets have enough additional help defending the wings, and his athletic ability gives the offense another dimension.

Sure, Gordon is at his best when operating in a third-star role, and long-term, that is what both he and the team probably envision for him. But while Jamal Murray continues his recovery, Gordon can step into a secondary option role and feel confident that any struggles will not impact his long-term future with the franchise.

As the season progresses and the rotation reaches full health, the Denver Nuggets starting five will be a fearsome prospect for any team in the league.

3 reasons to love the Aaron Gordon extension: No wasted assets

The biggest concern surrounding Aaron Gordon’s acquisition from the Orlando Magic was always based around the package the Denver Nuggets gave up. Losing Gary Harris and RJ Hampton was a bitter-sweet pill to swallow.

Then, to see Aaron Gordon struggling during the playoffs, you began to ponder whether this trade was a bad call. What happens if Gordon isn’t happy and walks in free agency? Was he really worth what the Nuggets gave up to get him? I’m sure we’ve all asked ourselves those questions in recent months.

Luckily, Gordon’s extension means there’s no risk of losing the 6’8” forward for nothing. Rather, we can rest assured the front office feels quite good about the team’s prospects with Gordon in the rotation.

I doubt we’ve seen the best of what Gordon has to offer. After all, losing Jamal Murray so soon after joining the team isn’t something anyone envisioned, and while Gordon struggled in a bigger role, it wasn’t for lack of trying.

Now, while we’re all certainly going to be keeping tabs on Hampton and Harris, we can stop worrying about the assets the Nuggets gave up and begin focusing on what they can achieve over the next few seasons. To be honest, it’s quite exciting.

3 reasons to love the Aaron Gordon extension: Championship Contention

Did the duo of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray need additional help to make a conference finals? Probably not. But to win an NBA Championship, yeah, they probably did. If we’re honest, this is a stars league.

While Nikola Jokic is the brightest star in the league right now, as evidenced by his MVP trophy, the team needed more help. That’s why the Denver Nuggets traded for Aaron Gordon in the first place, and it’s certainly part of why they inked him to a long-term extension.

If the Denver Nuggets are hoping to outlast the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, or whoever else dominates in the postseason, they’re going to need all the help they can get.

Aaron Gordon will provide that help.

"“Gordon’s fit was ideal before Murray’s injury but became less seamless after it. When he was acquired, Gordon was essentially the fourth or fifth offensive option and tasked with spearheading the defense on opposing wings, and in some cases, guards.” Denver Post, Mike Singer"

When Aaron Gordon returns to his rightful role as the Nuggets third wheel, the team’s chances of success will take a giant stride forwards. Factor in the additions of Jeff and JaMychal Green, and the Nuggets suddenly look both talented and deep enough to make a sustained run for a championship.

This isn’t a new roster that’s been thrown together. It’s a roster that has tasted post-season success and heartbreak. They have scaled the mountain only to fall short of reaching the very top. With Aaron Gordon, the Denver Nuggets may finally be able to take those final steps and lift a trophy at the end of the season.

And if they ultimately fall short this season, they have four more years to keep on trying.