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NBA Trade Grades: Aaron Gordon lands with the Denver Nuggets

By Luke Duffy

DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 18: Gary Harris #14 of the Denver Nuggets drives against Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center on December 18, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. 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. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 18: Gary Harris #14 of the Denver Nuggets drives against Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center on December 18, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. 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. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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NBA trade grades (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

What an unexpected day this has been for Orlando Magic fans. Year after year they have watched on at the trade deadline from the sidelines, but today has been all about them. Nikola Vucevic is gone to the Chicago Bulls. Evan Fournier to the Boston Celtics. You can now add Aaron Gordon to the Denver Nuggets to that list.

Much like the previous two deals, fans may be a little puzzled by this one as well. It is no secret that the Magic have needed change for some time now, and they have enough young players to get excited about. But at this point, it just feels like they’re firing out guys in all directions in the hopes they land on a superstar in the future.

NBA trade grades: Aaron Gordon goes to Denver Nuggets, Gary Harris the other way

Orlando gets:

  • Gary Harris
  • R.J. Hampton
  • Protected first-round pick (2025)

Denver gets

  • Aaron Gordon
  • Gary Clark

Of the three deals that have gone down now for the Magic, Gordon leaving was the one that had been predicted the most. Gordon had asked to be traded last month, before apparently having some second thoughts on the matter. He is gone now though, switched coasts and joining the Western Conference finalists of a year ago.

The Magic’s return for Gordon is again, something, but the Nuggets can feel pretty good about the business they have done. They are a contender as it is, and didn’t give up any crucial pieces in their quest to become better. Gordon is one of the most underrated defenders in the league and should help in that regard right away.