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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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Jarrett Culver, Minnesota Timberwolves
MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 26: Jarrett Culver #23 of the Minnesota Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jarrett Culver has had a rough start to his career. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Building in Minny

Once again, reports that Aaron Gordon does not want to land on a non-contender might make sending him to the Minnesota Timberwolves more tricky. If the team receiving Gordon were more confident of re-signing him after next season, the likelihood of them giving up more future assets increases.

But this deal is a good example of the flexibility a three-team trade provides.

A straight trade with Minnesota would require Orlando to take on Ricky Rubio’s hefty contract which makes little sense given that Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony are already on the roster for the foreseeable future.

One team that is said to be on the lookout for another ball-handler and more playmaking, however, are the LA Clippers. LA would be improving the starting five and potentially boosting their title hopes while allowing Orlando to take on Patrick Beverley’s lesser contract.

The Clippers may not agree to this specific package in giving up starter Patrick Beverley and super-sub Lou Williams. But this gives an image of what it would take to get the Magic involved.

How many assets for the future the Wolves would be willing to give up for Gordon is questionable. Minnesota clearly wants to be competitive again after just one playoff appearance in 17 years. The several high draft picks the team has acquired have not been able to get the team into postseason contention.

Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves /

Minnesota Timberwolves

Kevin O’Connor has reported the Wolves would like to trade for Gordon and it makes a lot of sense. He is the type of guy to help tie Minnesota’s disjointed team together with his high-caliber defense and playmaking ability.

Getting a pick and a young player off Minnesota would be ideal, but it may be a case of one or the other. The Wolves have already given up a first-rounder to the Warriors in the D’Angelo Russell deal and may be reluctant to do the same again.

Jarrett Culver has not enjoyed a good start to life in the NBA, but there is a good player somewhere in there. He showed a lot of potential as a two-way player in college but has not been able to replicate that in the NBA, currently finding himself down the pecking order under new head coach Chris Finch.

A change of scenery could do him good and the Magic might be getting a nice player for the future if he can put his bad start behind him. If the Timberwolves really want Gordon, they have to be willing to part with enough future assets to persuade Jeff Weltman and co to make a deal.