NBA Trade Rumors: Aaron Gordon is a valuable trade chip to the Orlando Magic

What's the rumor?

After reaching the 2019 playoffs, the Orlando Magic have started the season with a 7-11 record. This is a disappointing return for a team that spent considerable money to retain Nikola Vucevic and Terrence Ross during the offseason, and Orlando could make changes to the roster over the coming weeks.

Aaron Gordon is among the players that have been linked with an exit, and Hoops Rumors believes that the 24-year-old is a valuable trade asset:

Gordon is just 24 years old and still has intriguing potential, despite his lack of improvement so far this season. He also has a contract that declines in value each year, eventually dipping to $16.4MM in 2021/22. That makes him a valuable trade chip.

In case you didn't know...

Gordon was selected with the fourth overall pick by the Magic back in 2014, and the California native has been a regular starter in Orlando since overcoming a difficult rookie year. He has made 15 appearances so far this season, averaging 12.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game - and his contract runs until the end of the 2021-22 season.

The heart of the matter

Gordon's performances haven't been great so far this season, and there are doubts over his fit in Orlando's frontcourt alongside the emerging Jonathan Isaac. The San Antonio Spurs have been linked with a trade, and with his career stalling over the past 12 months, a move could be just what the forward needs to reach his potential.

What's next?

The Magic scored just 83 points during their defeat to the Toronto Raptors on Friday night, although they will have the opportunity to get back to winning ways on Sunday as they take on the struggling Golden State Warriors.