The Boston Celtics are reported “frontrunners” to acquire Aaron Gordon at the NBA trade deadline, according to a report from Matt Moore of The Action Network.
According to the report, The Magic have demanded two first-round picks in exchange for Gordon, who is in the penultimate season of a four-year deal worth $80 million. Other teams interested in Gordon have reportedly balked at the asking price, but the Celtics — whose 21-22 record and $28.5 million traded player exception has made them a prime candidate for a shakeup at the deadline — have reportedly been willing to offer up the necessary draft capital. Any potential protections are unclear at this stage..Magic is pushing for Smart in a trade
Wait, why the heck would Ainge give up assets for a player in the last year of his deal who is about to become an unrestricted free agent? That makes no sense. There is too much risk about the player leaving.
I am against giving up any valued assets (1st round picks, good youth) for Aaron Gordon. Too risky.
And I expect Ainge feels the same way given his comments in the last week. This feels like a media story. Not a real story. I don't buy these reports.
My guess is that Ainge is fishing for a low price low risk trade and if it isn't there he walks away. None of this 2 first round picks business.
Note: I am fine giving up assets for a restricted free agent because you have a lot of control over the outcome. In this situation, an unrestricted free agent, you have zero control. WAY too much risk. As an idea, this is a non-starter.