Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: F Aaron Gordon
Orlando Magic Receive: G Ricky Rubio, F Jarred Vanderbilt, MIN 2023 1st Round Pick (Lottery-Protected)
The Timberwolves are going to have to do something to try and change the direction they are heading in, which is why they could look to add Aaron Gordon at the trade deadline. The 25-year old forward is in his 7th season with the Orlando Magic and with him being under contract through next season, he could be exactly what Minnesota needs as a “last-ditch effort.”
So far this season, the Orlando Magic have been decimated by injuries to some of their key players, Gordon included, and as a result, find their playoff hopes slipping away. Michael Carter-Williams is the only healthy point guard on the Magic’s roster right now with Markelle Fultz being out for the year with an ACL injury and rookie Cole Anthony being out with a rib injury, which is why Ricky Rubio could be a solid acquisition for the Magic.
Rubio is obviously unhappy in Minnesota after his recent comments and the Timberwolves do not really need any more negative energy within their organization. This is one of the main reasons they could look to trade Rubio, as well as the fact that he is owed $34.8M through next season, something that a lot of people do not think he is worth.
Jarred Vanderbilt has stepped up into a bigger role with the Timberwolves this year and has been an impressive young talent at times. He is currently averaging 6.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.1 steals and is shooting 61.2% from the floor in 34 games with Minnesota this season. His length and aggressiveness is what makes him an intriguing young forward, which is why Orlando could potentially want him in return for Gordon.
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While Aaron Gordon is not an All-Star level talent, he is a very solid contributor and can be an above average third or fourth option for any team. At full strength, the Timberwolves have Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and rookie Anthoyn Edwards, which is why Aaron Gordon could be a perfect guy for them to target.
With that being said, let’s take a closer look as to why this trade makes sense for both the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Orlando Magic.
