Over the last few years, Aaron Gordon has been one of the Denver Nuggets’ most important players. The 6-foot-8 forward has given them complementary scoring, high-level defense, rebounding and timely 3-point shooting, and he was one of the final pieces to the puzzle when they won the NBA championship in 2023.
But now that the Nuggets have failed to reach the Western Conference finals since then and lost in the first round a few days ago, they’re facing plenty of questions and potentially many changes this summer. While Gordon has three years left on his contract, NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported that the 30-year-old could be a candidate to be traded this offseason.
Siegel mentioned the Los Angeles Lakers as one team Gordon could “fit in with.”
“Should the Nuggets actually pull the pin on Gordon, many teams in both conferences will begin bidding for his services,” Siegel wrote.
“Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Boston Celtics are among the many win-now teams Gordon would obviously fit in with as realistic trade suitors.”
Gordon has had some injury issues, and he played in just 36 regular-season games this year while missing the last three contests of the Nuggets’ first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to a calf injury. But his production and impact are unmistakable. He averaged 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists a game while shooting 49.7% from the field and 38.9% from 3-point range during the regular season this year.
The Lakers need athleticism, defense and 3-point shooting at the wing and forward spots moving forward. If healthy, Gordon could be the type of player to help them take the next step.
However, he will be expensive for any team that tries to trade for him. He will make $33.66 million next season, and his contract will increase to $39 million during the 2028-29 season, although he has a player option for that season.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Insider: Aaron Gordon ‘would obviously fit in’ with Lakers
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
