Pelicans Eye Gordon: Is the Fit Right?
The whispers around Aaron Gordon and the New Orleans Pelicans have been growing louder, and it's more than just idle chatter from agents looking to drum up interest. My sources tell me the Pelicans have made preliminary inquiries about the Denver Nuggets forward, testing the waters on what it would take to pry him away from the Mile High City. New Orleans, sitting at 26-18 and firmly in the Western Conference playoff picture, is clearly looking to bolster its frontcourt depth and add some defensive versatility.
Gordon, 28, is a high-flying athlete known for his highlight dunks and capable defense on bigger wings and forwards. He's currently in the second year of a four-year, $86.6 million contract signed with the Nuggets in 2021. This season, he's averaging 13.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, shooting a career-high 55.4% from the field. Those numbers are solid, but they don't scream 'missing piece' for a team trying to climb into true contender status.
Look, the Pelicans already have Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram soaking up a ton of usage. Adding Gordon would mean slotting him in as a complementary piece, likely playing a crucial defensive role and attacking the rim. He'd offer a different dimension than Larry Nance Jr. or Trey Murphy III, particularly with his strength and ability to guard multiple positions. Imagine him switching onto bigger wings, freeing up Ingram and Williamson to focus more on offense. That's the theory, anyway.
The Cost of Athleticism: Financial Hurdles
Here's the thing: acquiring Gordon isn't cheap, both in terms of assets and salary. He's due $20.5 million this season, $22.2 million next year, and has a player option for $23.0 million in 2025-26. For a Pelicans team already committed significant money to Williamson, Ingram, and CJ McCollum, taking on another hefty contract requires some serious maneuvering. They'd likely need to shed salary, and that often means giving up valuable draft picks or young talent.
A hypothetical package might involve a combination of expiring contracts and a protected first-round pick, or perhaps a younger player like Dyson Daniels, though I'm told the Pelicans are high on Daniels' defensive potential. The Nuggets, on the other hand, aren't desperate to move Gordon. They just won a championship with him as a starter, and his chemistry with Nikola Jokic is undeniable. They'd demand a premium, likely looking for assets that could either contribute immediately or be flipped for another key piece.
“Gordon’s value to Denver goes beyond the box score,” one Western Conference executive told me this week. “He’s their defensive glue, the guy who takes on the toughest assignments so Jokic doesn’t have to exert as much energy on that end. The Pelicans would be getting a proven playoff performer, but they'd be paying for that experience.”
A Risky Investment for New Orleans
This potential move reminds me a bit of the Pistons acquiring Marvin Bagley III back in 2022. Both were athletic bigs, albeit with different skill sets, who struggled to consistently impact winning in their previous stops. Bagley's deal, a three-year, $37.5 million extension, ended up being a bust for Detroit. Gordon is a far more accomplished player, but the principle of paying a premium for athletic potential that hasn't fully translated into consistent star-level production remains.
My hot take? The Pelicans should be cautious. While Gordon brings defensive intensity and highlight-reel dunks, his outside shooting (31.7% from three this season) isn't going to space the floor for Williamson. And frankly, the Pelicans' biggest need isn't another athletic forward; it's consistent three-point shooting and a true defensive anchor in the paint when Williamson is playing the four. Jonas Valanciunas is solid, but he's not a rim protector in the modern sense.
For Denver, moving Gordon would be a tough pill to swallow. He's beloved in the locker room and his role in their championship run was significant. But if they could net a package that includes a young, developing talent and a future first-round pick, it might be something they consider, especially if they believe Christian Braun or Julian Strawther can step into a larger role. However, it would immediately create a void in their starting five that's hard to fill.
Impact on Both Sides of the Deal
If Gordon lands in New Orleans, he immediately upgrades their wing defense. He'd likely start, pushing Herb Jones to the bench or having him play alongside Gordon in a defensive-minded lineup. This would give Coach Willie Green more flexibility, especially against teams with dominant wing scorers. But it also means less offensive touches for Gordon, who has thrived in Denver as a secondary playmaker and cutter.
The pressure would be immense for Gordon to perform as a high-priced role player. If he struggles with his shot or his defensive impact wanes, that contract could quickly become an albatross for the Pelicans' cap sheet. They're already tight on financial flexibility, and a misstep here could hinder future moves.
For the Nuggets, losing Gordon would disrupt their championship continuity. His screen-setting for Jokic, his defensive versatility, and his ability to finish at the rim are all vital cogs in their system. They'd have to pivot quickly, either promoting from within or looking for a different piece to fill that significant role. It would be a calculated risk, betting that their core talent can absorb the loss.
I think the Pelicans, despite their recent success, are a piece or two away from truly contending. And while Gordon is a good player, he's not the piece that puts them over the top. My prediction: The Pelicans will ultimately decide the asking price for Gordon is too high for a player who doesn't address their primary needs, and they'll look elsewhere for a more impactful, financially sensible addition.