Orlando Magic Trade Value Column 2018

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 6: Aaron Gordon #00, Nikola Vucevic #9, and Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic look on during game against the Atlanta Hawks on December 6, 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 6: Aaron Gordon #00, Nikola Vucevic #9, and Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic look on during game against the Atlanta Hawks on December 6, 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic
ORLANDO, FL – NOVEMBER 18: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Utah Jazz on November 18, 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

1. Aaron Gordon (1 year, $5.5 million)

Entering the season, no one was really sure how to value Aaron Gordon. Through three injury-filled or hampered years, he had shown flashes of what he could do but never put all the pieces together. He was clearly a power forward — despite the Orlando Magic’s failed experiment last year — but how to use him or deploy him was difficult to decipher.

This year, all the pieces came together. If not for the Magic’s record, you would have to consider Gordon for the All-Star Game. He is averaging 18.4 points per game while shooting 44.7 percent from the floor. Those shooting numbers are going down lately, but a lot of that is because Gordon is experimenting with his game. He is trying to expand his game.

It is clear Gordon can do that. Another summer working on his skills and what he struggled with as the star on the team will surely produce results. Gordon has gotten better every summer he has had the opportunity to put his work in. And Gordon knows he has to get better.

Still, the Magic are not in a position to overlook any trade opportunity. It was both surprising and unsurprising to hear they were exploring trade options for him. The Magic are not quite in the position to commit to a max contract. Not with new management still getting to know their roster.

Orlando will have to commit a max contract to Gordon this summer in all likelihood. His restricted free agency is going to be tough and someone will force the Magic to take that risk. But the Magic should take that risk.

Next: Joanthon Simmons plays on Orlando Magic's growing trust

To get Gordon from the Magic, it will cost a proven All-Star. That is how Orlando should view its top player asset. There is no getting around it. Gordon and his development is the most important thing for the Magic the rest of this season.