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Orlando Magic Trade Value Column 2017

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jan 22, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) and forward Aaron Gordon (00) talk against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) and forward Aaron Gordon (00) talk against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota Timberwolves, Aaron Gordon, orlando Magic
Jan 30, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) drives to the basket defended by Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) during overtime at Target Center. The Wolves won 111-105 over the Magic in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Aaron Gordon, $17.1 million/3 years, Qualifying Offer 2019

Aaron Gordon is still the great hope for the Magic to develop an All Star. At the very least, he is the player with the most potential, marketability and the like. Gordon is everything the Magic need to develop and grow.

The experiment the Magic ran this season playing Gordon at the 3 was an interesting one. One that should have been done before the team started trying to win rather than this year. Everyone seems frustrated with where Gordon is playing outside of the team. And even the Magic now seem ready to relent and play Gordon at the 4.

Gordon’s offense is still a long way away. He is far from consistent off the dribble or on the perimeter. It is an odd fit.

But he has his moments. His 30-point games against the LA Clippers were a surprising outburst. And Gordon appears to have his moments when he puts everything together. This is what everyone holds on to when it comes to Gordon.

Where Gordon has established himself is on the defensive end. He is a potential all-Defensive Team player. That is a big part of his ceiling and why he probably remains a starter in this league. Especially if he continues some improvement offensively and with his shot. There is no reason to think he will not.

Gordon is still a lot of potential. He is still a lot of what he can be. And that is what anyone would bank on.

Next: Orlando Magic working to rebuild young assets

And that is what the Magic are banking on. It is why he is the most important player to the team right now.