NBA: Orlando Magic deal Gordon, Vucevic
The Orlando Magic decided to go full rebuild and unload a host of talented assets including Aaron Gordon, Nikola Vucevic, and Evan Fournier. All three players will now have a chance to play in the postseason as the Magic seem headed for a high lottery selection. Gordon joins the Denver Nuggets, who are 5th place in the Western Conference, in exchange for Gary Harris, RJ Hampton, and a future first round pick. The 25-year-old spent more than seven seasons in Orlando, averaging 14.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game this year. Denver was also able to sign center Javale McGee as the team made it clear they wanted to add frontcourt depth.
Mike Malone's team now has a better chance to compete with the Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Lakers. Meanwhile, Vucevic will stay in the Eastern Conference, joining the playoff-hopeful Chicago Bulls and Zach LaVine. Chicago sent back Wendell Carter, Otto Porter, and a pair of first rounders. Vucevic is in the midst of arguably his best season, putting up 24.5 points and 11.8 rebounds a game, and earning a second All-Star appearance. The Bulls are just 1.5 games back of a playoff spot and Vucevic potentially puts them ahead of teams like the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers. Finally, Fournier landed in Boston after the Celtics couldn’t put together a package for Harrison Barnes or John Collins.
Fournier immediately adds another scorer on the floor, something the Celtics have desperately needed. The 28-year-old shooting guard is averaging 19.7 points on 38.8% shooting from 3-point range. Boston is in 7th place and should only get better with Fournier, but does it make them a title contender like Denver? I don’t think so. With that said, the Nuggets, Bulls, and Celtics all improved by varying levels this afternoon. In other deals around the league, Victor Oladipo finally got to Miami, Norman Powell was traded to Portland, JJ Redick was shipped to Dallas, and George Hill landed in Philadelphia. With the trade deadline in the rearview mirror, we're now just 56 days away from the playoffs.
Photo Credit: Heavy.
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