Trade Rumors: Blazers Have Shown Interest in Magic’s Gordon

The NBA trade deadline is just 10 days away and it appears that the Trail Blazers have emerged as a potential suitor for Magic forward Aaron Gordon. On Monday, The Athletic’s Shams Charania revealed that the Blazers and Timberwolves are among the teams that have shown interest in acquiring Gordon.

The Magic have been open to listening to calls on Gordon, sources said, and Minnesota and Portland are among the teams showing interest. Gordon has so far spent his entire seven-year NBA career in Orlando and is under contract through 2022. The 6-foot-9 forward suffered a severe ankle sprain but returned to the lineup following the All-Star break.

Gordon, who is on a declining contract through the 2021-22 season, is slotted to earn $18.1 million in 2020-21. In 20 outings this year, Gordon has averaged 13.6 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.

Outside of Gordon, Charania also mentioned the Blazers as a potential destination for LaMarcus Aldridge.

The Spurs are continuing to explore trades for Aldridge, sources said. Should Aldridge receive a buyout, Miami, Portland and Boston are expected to be leading suitors. Aldridge, a seven-time All-Star, is on an expiring $24 million contract.

The Athletic’s Sam Amick also provided an update on Aldridge’s status. According to Amick, Aldridge might not receive a buyout after a handful of teams have emerged as potential trade partners.

All indications are that his relocation will come via trade, as sources say interested GMs have been told that there are five teams firmly in the mix. Yet as is the case with so many other veterans on this list, the money makes it challenging for contenders to land him without losing roster depth in return. Aldridge is owed $24 million in this final season of his deal.

Aldridge and the Spurs agreed to part ways earlier this month. The former Blazers star has not appeared in a game since March 1.

You can read the Charania’s full rumors rundown at The Athletic (subscription required).