Memphis's Power Forward Play: A Gordon Solution?
Look, the Memphis Grizzlies have made their intentions clear: they want to be a serious contender in the Western Conference. They've got Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane locked up, forming a formidable young core. But if you watch them closely, especially in the half-court against bigger, more physical teams, there's been a persistent hole at the power forward spot. Steven Adams was a great screen-setter and rebounder, but his offensive limitations were glaring. Brandon Clarke gives you energy, but not consistent shooting or defensive versatility against top-tier fours.
That's where a guy like Aaron Gordon enters the picture. The Denver Nuggets forward, known for his athleticism and defensive prowess, could be an ideal fit. He's not just a dunker, though his Slam Dunk Contest highlights are legendary. Gordon brings a rugged defensive mindset, capable of guarding multiple positions from small forwards to some centers. Last season, he averaged 13.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists for the Nuggets, often tasked with guarding the opposition's best wing or forward. His ability to switch onto guards and battle bigs is exactly what Taylor Jenkins's defensive scheme thrives on.
Think about it: Morant needs space to operate. Jackson Jr. needs room to shoot and drive. Bane needs screens and kick-out options. Gordon provides that. He's a willing cutter, a strong screener, and has developed into a respectable corner three-point shooter, hitting 38.3% from deep in the 2022-23 season. That's a significant improvement from his earlier Orlando days and makes him a much more viable fit alongside Morant's drive-and-kick game. He's not a primary scorer, and he doesn't need to be in Memphis. He'd be the ultimate glue guy, the defensive stopper and offensive complementary piece they've been missing.
The Money & The Moves: Pelicans' Perspective
Now, let's talk brass tacks: the money. Gordon is currently on a four-year, $86.6 million contract that runs through the 2025-26 season. He's due $21.2 million next season, then $22.2 million and $23.2 million, with the final year being a player option. That's a reasonable contract for a player of his caliber and role, especially in today's NBA. For the Grizzlies, absorbing that salary would mean shedding some pieces, likely involving some combination of Brandon Clarke, Luke Kennard, and/or draft picks. Clarke's three-year, $33 million extension kicks in next season, making him a tradable asset, though his recent Achilles injury complicates things.
Here's the thing: Denver isn't just giving Gordon away. He's a vital part of their championship team. Any trade would likely involve a substantial package, and that's where the New Orleans Pelicans enter the conversation. The Pelicans are swimming in draft capital and have a roster that, despite its talent, always seems to be on the cusp of a shake-up. They've got intriguing young players like Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, but also a history of injury concerns with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. They also hold a significant number of future first-round picks from the Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday trades.
Why would the Pelicans get involved? They could act as a third team, help a deal. Perhaps they take on a player like Clarke, or even a veteran like Kennard, in exchange for a pick from Memphis or even Denver. Or, and this is the more intriguing angle, the Pelicans could be the destination for Gordon if Denver decides to retool slightly around Nikola Jokic. New Orleans has been searching for a consistent defensive presence at the forward spot, and Gordon fits that bill perfectly. Imagine Gordon's defense alongside Herb Jones on the wings, protecting a potentially healthy Zion. That's a terrifying defensive frontcourt.
Impact on Both Sides: A Win-Win?
For Memphis, acquiring Gordon would immediately elevate their defensive ceiling and provide a much-needed veteran presence in the starting five. Their small forward rotation, which has seen minutes from John Konchar and Ziaire Williams, would get a massive upgrade. Gordon's experience in deep playoff runs with the Nuggets would be invaluable for a Grizzlies team still finding its footing in the postseason. He'd be the perfect complement to Jackson Jr. in the frontcourt, allowing JJJ to play more freely as a weak-side shot blocker.
As for the Pelicans, if they were to acquire Gordon, it would signal a clear intent to win now and solidify their defense. They've struggled with consistency on that end, often relying on individual brilliance rather than cohesive schemes. Gordon brings that cohesion. His contract is manageable, and his skillset would allow Willie Green to experiment with different lineups, potentially even playing small-ball five with Gordon at center for stretches. It would mean sacrificing some of their future draft assets, but at some point, you have to push your chips in when you have talent like Williamson and Ingram.
If Denver were to move Gordon, it would be a surprising shift for the reigning champions. But sometimes, a team needs to make tough choices to stay ahead. Maybe they see a younger, cheaper option they can develop, or they need to free up salary for a different target. But I'm skeptical Denver moves him unless they get a truly overwhelming offer. He's too important to their current success. The more realistic scenario is a three-team deal where the Grizzlies get Gordon, Denver gets assets, and the Pelicans get a different piece or absorb salary for picks.
The Verdict: Memphis Makes the Leap
Ultimately, a move for Aaron Gordon feels like the kind of bold, aggressive play the Grizzlies need to make to truly contend. They've built a strong foundation, but the West is only getting tougher. Adding a player of Gordon's two-way caliber, even at his salary, would make them a legitimate threat to any team. It's a move that signals they're done with moral victories and ready for actual hardware.
My bold prediction: The Memphis Grizzlies make a significant trade for a proven power forward before the next trade deadline, and Aaron Gordon is at the top of their wishlist. They'll find a way to get it done.