Boston Celtics are viewed as the front-runners to acquire the Orlando Magic’s forward Aaron Gordon as we are getting closer to the March 25 trade deadline, per Matt Moore of the Action Network.
The Celtics are expected to send a package to Orlando that will include draft compensation, a player and Gordon Hayward’s trade exception.
“Boston, multiple sources confirmed, has offered two first-round picks. No other teams on the board have yet to reach that offer level. It’s not known yet what types of protections are attached to those talks but there is an assumption there will be some, if not significant, protections on the first-rounders,” Moore wrote.
“Additionally, the framework involves Evan Fournier going to Boston, with the Celtics sending a player, the two picks, and using their Traded Player Exception from the Gordon Hayward trade.”
According to Moore, Orlando would like Marcus Smart to be included in a potential deal as they are willing to part ways with Evan Fournier.
Several other teams are interested in acquiring the high-flying forward as the Nuggets, the Blazers and the Rockets could also pursue a deal ahead of the trade deadline.
Gordon is averaging 14.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game for the Magic, while shooting a career-best 40.2% from 3-point range.
