5 potential landing spots for Aaron Gordon after Nuggets reportedly hesitate on $150 million extension
The Denver Nuggets and forward Aaron Gordon have yet to agree on a contract extension. Gordon is eligible for a four-year, $150 million extension, but the Nuggets are reportedly hesitant to offer the forward a contract that big. Negotiations are taking place, and Gordon has said he wants to stay in Denver. However, that is not an indication that he will stay.
Gordon is still under contract for the 2024-25 season and has a player option for 2025-26. However, if Gordon and the Nuggets don't reach a deal before the next summer, it isn't difficult to imagine him playing elsewhere.
If an agreement isn't reached, the Nuggets could trade him instead. Here are some potential landing spots for Gordon if the front office decides to trade him instead.
5 landing spots for Aaron Gordon
#1. Atlanta Hawks
After trading away Dejounte Murray, the Atlanta Hawks' path to a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference just got a lot tougher. This also makes it harder for them to keep Trae Young happy enough to remain in Atlanta. Finding a way to trade for Aaron Gordon to help the Hawks become more competitive is one way to do so.
Gordon will give Young a target for a few easy lobs. Gordon also bolsters the forward position for the Hawks, which is arguably their weakest.
#2. Phoenix Suns
If it turns out by midseason that the wing pairing of Bradley Beal and Devin Booker isn't working out, the Suns could decide to trade Beal. Unlike Beal, Aaron Gordon isn't a ball-dominant forward.
Gordon thrives in playing off the ball, especially in the dunker spot. This makes him an ideal target for the Suns, giving Booker and Kevin Durant more freedom to run the offense. He won't score at the same rate as Beal, but the Suns don't need another high-volume scorer with their type of lineup.
The Nuggets can't just trade Beal for Gordon, so a third team will likely need to be involved. This scenario depends on how well the Suns start the season and how quickly they're willing to change things up if things don't go their way early.
#3. Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz seemed like they were ready to start a rebuild. All they had to do was trade Lauri Markkanen but that never materialized. Despite countless trade rumors, the Jazz kept their star and signed him to a five-year, $238 million extension this summer.
This indicates that the Jazz are willing to build around Markkanen to create a contender. Aaron Gordon isn't going to instantly make them into a championship-caliber team, especially in a deep Western Conference. However, acquiring him could be a step in the right direction.
He has the championship experience, brings the effort and doesn't require the ball in his hands to be effective. Adding a solid point guard along with Gordon could turn the Jazz into at least a playoff team.
#4. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are determined to win as soon as possible. However, winning the Eastern Conference will be a tall task against teams like the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks.
They could try to get past these hurdles by grabbing Aaron Gordon on a "rental" deal. The Cavs could trade Caris Levert, who is set to become a free agent at the end of this season.
Gordon doesn't make his 3-pointers at the same rate as Levert, but he can still hit one from beyond the arc occasionally. With defenses focusing on the Cavs' other weapons, Gordon could become the x-factor that elevates the Cavs to championship glory outside of LeBron James.
#5. San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs have some questions to answer regarding their frontcourt. Keldon Johnson and Zach Collins appeared to struggle at times last year, Charles Bassey is a non-factor on offense, and Jeremy Sochan is still in the early stages of his development.
Adding a talent like Aaron Gordon could alleviate some of these concerns. Gordon bridges the gap between Collins and Bassey. Sochan can learn a lesson or two from him on how to affect winning away from the ball. He can also take some pressure away from Johnson. He can also benefit from playing with a point guard like Chris Paul.
At the very least, Gordon can do enough for the Spurs to at least get them back into the playoffs.