After days of negotiations, the Denver Nuggets have managed to trade for Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Nuggets will send the Magic shooting guard Gary Harris, point guard R.J. Hampton and a top-5 protected 2025 first-round pick (per ESPN’s Zach Lowe), while Orlando will also send forward Gary Clark as part of the deal.
This trade is perfect for both teams, with Orlando acquiring two young players that excel defensively while rebuilding under head coach Steve Clifford.
Hampton, a charismatic rookie selected with the 19th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, has length and athleticism that allows him to play both guard and wing spots. He’ll join a fresh and promising backcourt in Orlando that already has Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony.
Harris, a seven-year veteran, has a chance to re-establish himself as an offensive threat in Orlando. However, while injury-prone, Harris is already one of the league’s most notable perimeter defenders.
Denver, whose defensive deficiencies have been a talking point for the better part of the season, cures their ailment with the addition of a versatile and explosive athlete in Gordon.
Gordon is averaging 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 0.8 blocks per game this season, shooting .437 percent from the field and .375 percent from 3-point range.
