The Denver Nuggets are likely going to be listening to offers for anyone and everyone not named Nikola Jokic when the offseason window opens in July. And that includes Aaron Gordon, who's on the books for $33.6 million next year. A large chunk of change for a player who only played in 36 games this season, and three of the first six playoff games in the opening round train wreck against the Minnesota Timberwolves. That instability could put the Nuggets in a difficult position to move Gordon, if they can.
Gordon has been the Nuggets vibe guy and, more or less, the anchor on the defensive side of the ball for the Nuggets. Plus, AG can score. When he plays.
Gordon shut down Victor Wembanyama at the end of regulation in the Nuggets' 136-134 overtime victory in the regular season. And Gordon showed he can score by putting up a 50 burger on opening night against the Warriors.
But Gordon needs to be healthy for that to happen, and that's been difficult the past two seasons, and the Nuggets need him on the court in the playoffs when it matters.
The injury concern is real, and moving Gordon could be difficult
Other teams are likely to be cautious with Gordon because of the question mark that has been following his name on the injury report for the last couple of seasons. That makes sense for a player with such a hefty price tag for the next three years.
The first hints are already coming in that any Gordon trade could be tough. There were social media rumors that the Suns would make good sense as a trading partner. But a local Phoenix radio host did his best to put those rumors to rest. John Gambadoro cites Gordon as "off-injured and on the decline" as his reasons the Suns wouldn't trade for Gordon.
Often injured, sure. The decline? Not quite, but the injuries could hasten that journey? If that's the perception, then Gordon's value drastically changes for other teams, even though he's still a great player who just showed he can play at the highest level when healthy. When healthy. That part hurts because we do know what Gordon can do when he is.
So then what for the Nuggets?
It sounds like the Nuggets are either going to have to take a much lower offer in return for Gordon or just hang onto him and hope for the best. Which also hurts, because having your title hopes hinge on what has become a big problem for the Nuggets isn't great.
But from the early sounds of it, that may be the story for next season, too. Changes will likely be made to the roster this offseason, but who that is, only time will tell.
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