A strong argument for Celtics to trade for Orlando's Aaron Gordon

Let me start by stating that I have seen absolutely no indication that the Celtics have an interest in the Orlando Magic's Aaron Gordon. But I am sure they did prior to the 2014 draft where the Celtics were slotted at number six. This is what BleacherReport's Adam Frommer had to say:

If you ask Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix, that's the plan (Gordon to Boston at #6):

"Several league sources believe that Celtics GM Danny Ainge is locked in on Gordon," he reports during his latest mock draft. "While Gordon's shooting is a concern, he is a strong rebounder and shot blocker who can defend either forward spot and has been compared to Shawn Marion."

Gordon himself has acknowledged the Celtics' interest as well.

As he wrote for SlamOnline.com, "The next week and a half, really, is a grind. I’ve got the Kings; then I go to L.A. for the Lakers; then I go to Boston; then I think I go to Orlando after that."

Sure, there are plenty of workouts, but the Celtics remain right in the midst of those vying for Gordon's services. And they pick before the other mentioned teams, save the Orlando Magic, who are presumably looking at the Arizona product in case he miraculously falls to No. 12, where they have a second lottery pick.

Aaron never made it to the sixth pick. He was taken by Orlando at number four, and Boston chose Marcus Smart with the sixth pick. Gordon has improved every year with Orlando, but despite his production (18.4 PPG, 8.3 RPG and 2.2 APG), the Magic have the worst record in the League at 14/35. What further spiked my never-ending interest in Aaron as a Celtic was an article by Ryan Bernardon of the Boston Sports Journal. I suggest our readers take in Ryan's full article, particularly those in the Anthony-Davis-to-Boston crowd. Here is a small portion of the piece:

This can’t be all about (Anthony) Davis, though. While they consider him in their plans, it’s still far more likely that he never plays for the Celtics. If that’s the case, would you rather have Aaron Gordon for $20-25 million a year, or Smart for $10-15 million? I don’t think that’s as clear a choice as it seems, unless the rumors of off-court concerns are real, but the upside on Gordon is certainly higher and in the reckoning of a title-or-bust franchise, that’s what really matters.

Gordon is a super-athletic 6'9" wing who has potential as a mobile, small-ball center. He has learned to hit his three-pointers (34.6%), and he just keeps getting better. I have liked this guy since before the 2014 draft, and he has not disappointed. I believe he would thrive under Brad Stevens in Boston and be a major cog in the Celtics wheel for years.



I picture Aaron Gordon playing alongside Kyrie Irving, Al Horford and the present youngsters that Danny Ainge chooses to retain. Gordon is 22-years-old and earns $5.5 million this season and will be a RFA at the end of the year. He is versatile, talented and super-athletic. I desperately wanted him to end up in Boston in 2014, and that has not changed. Orlando has the worst record in the League and could use some young talent and draft picks. The trade deadline is eight days away. The stage is set.

Follow Tom at @TomLaneHC

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