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Orlando Magic Daily Debates: Should Aaron Gordon get an extension?

By Sam Skubala

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 13: Jeff Green #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers plays defense against Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic during the preseason game on October 13, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 13: Jeff Green #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers plays defense against Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic during the preseason game on October 13, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons
ORLANDO, FL – APRIL 12: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dunks against the Detroit Pistons on April 12, 2017 at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

What would make Aaron Gordon worth a max contract?

Philip: What would make you feel comfortable giving Aaron Gordon a max contract? Is there a statistical threshold he has to cross?

Ricky: I think waiting for restricted free agency is ultimately the best call because it will give the front office more information to negotiate with, and also more leverage. I would feel comfortable maxing Gordon if he shot 32-33 percent from three. I think that would open up the rest of his offensive game even more and really help the team. How this team plays together and how Aaron Gordon fits with Jonathan Isaac will also play a big role.

Sam: What if his shooting does not improve?

Ricky: Then he would have to provide borderline All-Defensive team perimeter defense for a max contract to be palatable. And I think that may be within his reach.

Sam: Echoing what Ricky said, I think improved shooting and elite defense are the keys. In lieu of a tremendous shooting improvement, I would also take seeing him shoulder a bigger load on the offensive end, although I feel for that to be successful he must have a more consistent outside shot.

Philip: For me, it would be tough to give Gordon a max deal if he is not the team’s top scorer. I know he is 22 years old and has a lot of room for growth. But I think I have to see him take that leap and for it to become clear he can be an All-Star. I do not think I would even spend $20 million per year if I did not have faith he could become a reliable offensive option for the team, and a future All-Star. I am high on Gordon, I think he can get there, but it might be difficult to get all the way there this year.

Sam: So elite defense would not quite be enough?

Philip: All-Defensive team is nice, but he needs to prove he can be a top offensive player. That would be the start. My gut right now is that I would pay him in the $17-18 million range. If the Magic could get him at Evan Fournier‘s contract next summer, I would feel pretty good about things.