Orlando Magic Rumors: Orlando Magic gauging interest in Aaron Gordon

The Orlando Magic have limped to a 15-35 season. John Hammond and Jeff Weltman are reportedly looking at all trade possibilities, and this is said to even include potential deals involving Aaron Gordon.

The Orlando Magic are reportedly leaving no stone unturned when it comes to this year’s trade deadline. That means the Magic are even looking around at players some might have thought were untouchable.

Michael Scotto of The Athletic reports the Magic even were willing to gauge interest in Aaron Gordon in possible deals.

"The new regime of Jeff Weltman and John Hammond has left no stone unturned with the deadline approaching, including quietly gauging the trade market on Aaron Gordon, league sources told The Athletic."

The reports come out after the announcement Gordon would participate in the 2018 Verizon Slam Dunk contest at All-Star Weekend.

It by no means is any indication the Magic will trade Gordon. Conversations involving every player are commonplace. And with new management in place and the team sinking to the bottom of the standings, it makes sense the Magic would explore every option available to them.

Reports from other sources have suggested the Magic’s asking price for Gordon remains high. There is no reason to believe any different, even if the Magic were curious to see what the market might bear for a player like Gordon.

The move comes during a disappointing season for Orlando. Early playoff ambitions having quickly turned into yet another season in the lottery.

A key narrative surrounding the franchise coming into the season was whether one of the many young talents on the roster could take a leap forward in 2018. Gordon has been the team’s standout candidate.

Orlando Magic

Gordon quickly impressed, showing a much-improved 3-point shot with an earlier release, better shot selection on offense and an overall higher basketball IQ. But his form soon began to wane. His 3-point shot regressed to the mean. And he lost much of his defensive prowess.

That said, he continues to have a strong season. And, at 22 years old, still has plenty of room to grow.

Gordon leads the team in scoring, averaging 18.4 points per game on 44.7 percent shooting. He is also putting up career-high numbers in rebounds (8.3 per game), assists (2.2 per game), free-throw attempts (4.2 per game) and steals (0.9 per game).

Do not expect the Magic to let go of their star asset for nothing. Any talks seem like they are more exploratory rather than a desire to move Gordon before his restricted free agency.

Orlando is likely not actively shopping Gordon. And it would likely take an All-Star caliber talent coming to Central Florida for the 22-year-old to leave Amway Center. Teams may be somewhat hesitant to give up such an asset given Gordon is a restricted free agent this summer. He will likely command a max contract, or at least something close to it.

Outside of Aaron Gordon, only Jonathan Isaac has more security with the Magic.

Though they are testing the waters to see what return they might get for the combo forward, it is highly unlikely the Magic move Gordon at the deadline.

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Still, the Magic owe it to themselves to explore every avenue to improve the team. Thus Gordon’s name may come up before the February 8 deadline.