Houston Rockets Receive: Aaron Gordon ($18.1M 2020-21 Salary), G Markelle Fultz ($12.2M), Khem Birch ($3.0M), Melvin Frazier III ($1.6M), ORL 2023 First Round Pick (Top 5 Protected)
Orlando Magic Receive: Russell Westbrook ($41.0M)
The Orlando Magic have been stuck in an endless cycle of being a low seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs that cannot compete because of crazy injuries that occur. Nikola Vucevic is their best player and someone that can handle an abundance of the work, but he needs help and Aaron Gordon has not been the answer over the years. Sure, he can throw down some impressive dunks and has put on shows during the dunk contest, but he simply cannot shoot and does not fit the style of play the Magic are wanting to move forward with.
Aaron Gordon is a career 31.9% three point shooter and has shown that he is a very average defender, especially in the post. Although he stands 6’8”, Gordon is better on the wing than he is in the paint, which can be costly to some teams, but he would fit in perfectly next to James Harden. In the Rockets’ system, Gordon would not necessarily have to be a shooter, but he could be a hunter in transition. In the open court, running the ball up with James Harden, he would be extremely explosive and would use his athleticism to his advantage over defenders who are out of position.
Markelle Fultz has seen his career jump back on track after his best statistical season of his career last season with the Magic. The former No. 1 overall pick is not putting up big numbers like many thought he would, but has not given up on his career and is far from a bust. He averaged 12.1 points, 5.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and shot 46.5% from the floor last season for Orlando. Fultz does need to get better as a jump shooter and three-point shooter, as he made just 26.7% of his threes last season, but next to James Harden, he could learn a lot and become a better overall one-on-one player.
Acquiring Russell Westbrook gives the Magic the firepower they need with Russ and Vucevic to make some noise in the Eastern Conference. When Johnathan Isaac, Mo Bamba, and Chuma Okeke are fully healthy, this team would be one of the top rebounding teams in the league. Westbrook would change the dynamic of this team and give them an identity, something they have not had for years. Being able to spread the court and give Westbrook open driving lanes would open up this Orlando offense, which ranked 21st last season in offensive efficiency.
The Magic would never think of giving up Nikola Vucevic in return for Russell Westbrook, but have had talks about moving Aaron Gordon this offseason. By getting rid of Gordon, Fultz and a future first round pick, the Magic make themselves relevant in the Eastern Conference and a team to keep your eye on.
