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A three-team trade is the way to go with Aaron Gordon for Orlando Magic

By Dan Bennett

Aaron Gordon's time in Orlando is coming to an end and the big question is how the Orlando Magic maximize his value. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Gordon's time in Orlando is coming to an end and the big question is how the Orlando Magic maximize his value. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jae'Sean Tate, Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate has been one of the biggest rookie surprises of the season. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

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
Houston Rockets /

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.