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Aaron Gordon believes he is a max player

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 2: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic speaks to media after game against the Detroit Pistons on March 2, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 2: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic speaks to media after game against the Detroit Pistons on March 2, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Aaron Gordon can now focus on his free agency. He said his ideal scenario is to get a max deal from the Orlando Magic and get it done quickly.

Before the season, Aaron Gordon brushed off any talk of his impending restricted free agency. Things still had to play out. He had his last chance to make a statement and earn a hefty payday, and he was not going to think too far ahead. Gordon is a big believer in staying present and being in the moment.

He deflected questions about his future. Gordon said he did not want “impure” thoughts about his contract negotiations to creep into his game. He played for the love of the game more than the chance at financial reward.

At the end of the season, after turning in a breakout year where he led the team in scoring, the question about his future with the team and his impending free agency came up again. This time Gordon’s answer was more pointed.

Asked what an ideal contract situation for him would be this summer, Gordon did not bat an eye. He believes he is a max player — and ideally, the Orlando Magic will reward him with that designation this summer.

"“Ideal? Ideal is max,” Gordon said at the team’s exit interviews Thursday. “That would be ideal. Three letters. Definitely here. That would be ideal. If John [Hammond] and Jeff [Weltman] made that investment, that would definitely be ideal to get those three letters on my name.”"

“Max contract” is more market status than an actual statement of the player’s ability. Only a few players can get that amount, but the list is bigger than the super elite.

There is and remains the possibility Gordon will command the max — a five-year, $146.5 million deal that starts at about $25 million per year (25 percent of the cap). It will only take one team in restricted free agency to offer him a big deal that will force the Magic to up their offer.

It should be noted there are only four or five teams with max space — a few like the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns are reportedly interested in Gordon already.

No one is quite sure how to value Gordon or any of the restricted free agents. Gordon has really only one good year to go off of to make a proper evaluation.

He turned in a strong season, averaging 17.6 points per game and shooting a 50.0 percent effective field goal percentage. Gordon averaged career highs in almost every statistical category as he saw his usage rate skyrocket. Orlando gave him more responsibility and Gordon took the role.

He got off to a hot start and set the tone for his whole season. But he also still needed to grow.

Struggles followed as injuries and defenses adjusting to him and focusing on him caused him to slow down as the season went on. Gordon averaged 16.0 points per game after the All-Star Break, but shot just 40.0 percent from the floor and 31.6 percent from beyond the arc.

But undoubtedly, Gordon took a huge step forward in his career. Finally healthy for a summer, he improved his game dramatically. And at 22, there is still plenty of room to grow.

A max might be a bit crazy to ask for. But president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman has a big decision to make.

"“We face a few free agent issues and Aaron is at the top of the list,” Weltman said. “Aaron has a lot of potential. He is a hard worker. We will have substantive talks with his agent. Whether we can get something done, we will see. I know he wants to be here and we’d like to keep him.”"

Properly valuing Gordon is going to be one of the bigger decisions Weltman makes in his tenure as president of basketball operations. It will be the big free agent decision for the Magic this summer. Orlando has no cap room even before signing Gordon because of his cap hold.

There are plenty of debates to be had about Gordon and his future. Weltman did not exactly offer a full-throated endorsement of Gordon to bring him back. There might be a number Orlando has in mind where they do not re-sign him.

But it also seems like the Magic have every intention of bringing Gordon back. They have the desire to bring back one of their most promising young players.

Gordon still has to improve his shot selection and his 3-pointer. All work he seems willing to put in this summer. He said he will work on running pick and rolls as the ball handler, making shots and his footwork in the post too. Gordon is a hard worker and still has growth potential.

The Magic’s next contract for him is as much a reflection of what he produced this season as it is an investment on what he will become.

Announcing himself a max player now is a bit presumptuous and confident. And confidence is a good in a young player. If you do not overvalue yourself, no one else will.

Gordon is certainly not short on confidence.

"“I feel I’m there,” Gordon said. “Four years in the league at 22. I’m a young veteran with a lot of experience. Just looking to continue to grow and continue to grow with John and Jeff and Pete. It would be amazing to continue to learn from them and learn from the guys that are here.”"

Gordon said he hopes his representatives and the Magic can wrap things up quickly on July 1. Gordon made it clear his preference is to stay in Orlando.

Of course, business is business. The Magic will make their offer and Gordon said he will be open to the process. He will go looking for the best situation for him. The Magic will reserve the right to match any offer he gets.

Gordon said he wants to be part of this organization returning to contention, being there when they were at their lowest and building them to their best. There is some unfinished work.

"“It would be a beautiful thing to go from one of the worst teams in the league to one of the best teams in the league,” Gordon said. “It’s a challenge and that’s something I look forward to and accept that challenge along with the teammates we have here. I think if we keep building, we have the capability.”"

The Magic have a long way to go for sure. Tying up a max deal in Gordon would make things difficult.

Next: Orlando Magic unsure where season went wrong

But one way or another, Gordon will get paid this summer. And if the Magic re-sign him, they are hoping he will continue his ascent and match his 2018 season.