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Aaron Gordon to re-sign with Orlando Magic

By Jean Racine

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 24: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic grabs the rebound against the Phoenix Suns on March 24, 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 24: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic grabs the rebound against the Phoenix Suns on March 24, 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 confirmed on Twitter that he will return to the Orlando Magic, avoiding restricted free agency on a four-year, $84-million deal.

The Orlando Magic knew they had a big decision to make when it came to Aaron Gordon and his free agency this summer. In many ways, the decision would define their offseason.

Simply, they could not do anything else until they figured him out. His cap hold would take them up to the salary cap and his new contract would go beyond that.

Until Gordon was wrapped up, the Magic would have to sit out free agency.

Consider that domino fallen. And now the Magic’s future looks a whole lot clearer.

The Magic wrapped up the biggest piece of their free agency puzzle, agreeing to a contract with restricted free agent Gordon.

Gordon announced he was returning to the team on Twitter on Sunday evening. Shams Charania of Yahoo! Sports reports the terms of the deal are for four years, $84 million.

Gordon averaged career highs across the board last season as he finally was healthy and playing in a featured role. He averaged 17.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 0.8 blocks per game. He also shot a career-best 33.6 percent from beyond the arc, the first time he cleared the 30-percent hurdle.

Gordon was rumored to be drawing interest from the Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings and, most recently, the Los Angeles Lakers. The Pacers were rumored to be interested in giving Gordon a contract that started around $20 million per year. That was always where Gordon’s market was likely to fall.

But teams also knew the Magic were likely going to match anything less than the max. And as a restricted free agent, the Magic would have that right to keep Gordon no matter where he signed. This likely led to several teams looking to move on from him or explore other options first.

And the market quickly dried up for him too. The Phoenix Suns gave a big contract to forward Trevor Ariza and the Dallas Mavericks signed DeAndre Jordan instead. The Pacers also gave a big contract to Doug McDermott that ate into their available cap room to grab Gordon from the Magic.

The Lakers obviously made their big splash signing LeBron James on Sunday.

That left Gordon with few options. And the Magic and Gordon seemed like they wanted to get a deal done.

This agreement seems like a smart move by both parties. Gordon gets a significant increase in salary. Athe Magic avoid an overstuffed offer sheet meant to prevent them from re-signing him.

The Magic can now shift their focus to trades and free agent targets.

Orlando’s roster is starting to shape out. Mohamed Bamba is going to be the center, Jonathan Issac and Aaron Gordon at the forward positions. That should be an intriguing young core.

The Magic still lack enough shooting on their roster and there is a desperate need for some point guard depth.

Next: Orlando Magic Offseason Manifesto: Gauging the free agent and trade markets

Orlando Magic fans can now breath a sigh of relief knowing the team’s best young player is under contract for the next four years. The future has taken at least some shape.