Shuttling Stars to the Heat
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic have held talks over a trade involving Aaron Gordon. Reports elsewhere suggest a similar thing, with The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor also stating that Houston would like to bring in Gordon.
The Rockets are in full rebuild mode. They have lost a staggering 20 games in a row entering Monday’s game against the Toronto Raptors and are fully geared toward the draft and building a new team that can get back to playoff contention following James Harden’s departure.
Gordon is a good place to start. His diverse skillset and high level of defense can help re-establish a winning mentality in Houston as they bring through younger talent.
The trouble is Gordon is reportedly not keen on a move to a rebuilding team and wants to land on a contender, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo! Sports.
It makes a deal with Houston trickier but ultimately it can still go ahead if both sides agree.
O’Connor says a deal with Houston for Gordon would include Victor Oladipo but that there is not a future in Orlando for the former Magic guard. Adding in the Miami Heat, a likely longer-term destination for Oladipo, makes more sense.
Houston Rockets
The Magic are getting back a player the same age as Aaron Gordon in Jae’Sean Tate, who while only in his first year as an NBA player has exhibited a high level of defense in his short time with Houston. He also contributes on the offensive end, averaging 10.1 points per game.
Add in a couple of Houston’s many picks and Andre Iguodala’s contract to make it work financially and Orlando is getting a decent return for a player that is out of contract next season.
Orlando’s state rivals in Miami would be giving up two veterans for a player who can help them to better contend for a title, while Houston gets its man in Gordon and another veteran that can aid the rebuilding process in Avery Bradley.
This trade would make a lot of sense for those involved. The biggest stumbling block might be whether Houston are prepared to give up Tate, however.