2018 NBA free agency: Early predictions for where top 15 players will sign

9. Aaron Gordon, PF, Orlando Magic (Restricted)

Where he will sign: Phoenix Suns

Honestly, I don’t think the Orlando Magic are heavily invested in keeping Aaron Gordon. The only thing they’re interested in right now is getting something in return for him instead of simply letting him walk via restricted free agency.

So the Phoenix Suns come to them with something like this: Marquess Chriss, T.J. Warren and one of their later first round picks for Gordon, via sign-and-trade. The Suns have three first round picks, so letting go of one that’s outside of the top three isn’t horrible. They unload the underwhelming Chriss and say goodbye to Warren. In return, they get a rising star in Gordon.

It’s unfortunate for the Magic, but they’re clearly in rebuild mode anyway. They get some intriguing (and inexpensive) pieces to work with, and bolster their draft assets as well. Most importantly, they get something in return for Gordon.

The former Arizona Wildcat goes back to his old stomping grounds. Suns fans rejoice as the additions of Gordon and a top three prospect mean this team has some semblance of a future. Devin Booker now has an uber-athletic power forward to take some of the pressure off his shoulders.

Sounds like a good plan to me.