Responding on Tuesday to a report that said he asked the Magic to trade him, Aaron Gordon didn’t dispute that report, telling the media that he made the request due to his “frustration” with his situation, writes Nick Friedell of ESPN.
“There’s been times where I just expressed my frustration to management,” Gordon said. “Frustration with the losses, the injuries, the way we’ve been playing and how many losses have accumulated over the years. So it’s just my frustration kind of boiling over, I would say. … I think a lot of people share that sentiment with me, of frustration.”
Gordon is in his seventh season with the Magic, having been drafted by the team back in 2014. During that time, Orlando has made the playoffs just twice and was quickly eliminated in a 4-1 first-round series each time. With the Magic enduring another tough season in 2020/21, it’s no surprise that the veteran forward is ready for a change of scenery.
The NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement prohibits players from publicly requesting trades, but I’d be surprised if the league disciplines Gordon for addressing the report about a request he made privately to the team — especially since he responded carefully when asked on Tuesday if he’s still hoping to be dealt.
“I’m focused on (Wednesday) night,” Gordon said. “As of right now, I’m an Orlando Magic. I’ve been here for seven years, developed a home here, a sense of love and community here. For as long as I have Orlando on my chest, Magic on my chest, I’m going to give it everything I have.”
Gordon is considered likely to be dealt this week, with the Celtics and Nuggets reportedly among the top contenders to land him.
Lol u didn’t need to explain yourself bro
Gordon should be frustrated with himself because he shares a big chunk of the blame.
The Magic tanked an entire season and used a 4th pick on him. He never lived up to that and most of it was because of his insistence on trying to be Kobe instead of the player his skill set pointed to.
The Magic gave him consistent high USG + allowed him to play the way he envisioned himself despite horrific efficiency & obvious detriment to offense…or would slack off on D if he didn’t get “his” shots.
Would you rather they used that 4th pick on other top 10 picks like Dante Exum, Nik Stauskas or Noah Vonleh? That draft was terrible, other than Embiid, Jokic was the only one and he went 41st. You say “used a 4th pick on him” as if that matters like, at all. Also saying “slack off on D” – thats a load of unquantifiable lies and you know it.
Typical Orlando fan, you wouldn’t know what a title winning team looks like if your life depended on it, because you literally have never seen one.
Lol nice touch blaming a fan for their team being bad. Frontrunners like you ruin the sport.
Strange things happened
I read that Rockets are trying to beat Celtics offer by offering Tate, 2 future Firsts and salary release for Gordon
That’ll probably get it done
The reason to move Gordon would be b/c of their options at his position, and need for shooting/scoring on the wing/at guard. That being said, it’s not entirely imperative, as if they were finally fully healthy next season, they can be dangerous defensively. I just feel like that is something you could say for a few years now, and you might want to utilize his value to either fill one of those needs and/or add asset(s). They’ve really struggled to address those issues, which have been the same for a while
Here, I think its Ainge that has to be leave reactive mode (his favorite) and get a Gordon deal done. It doesn’t matter if the 2k crowd thinks he won or lost the trade. The player is a fit – on skill set and age – and he’s going to be traded somewhere. Be aggressive and get him on the Celtics.
You really think Gordon wins them a title? You add a bad attitude guy and get rid of potentially best (only?) attitude on the team in Smart? Just so you can say you made a trade? So the fans are happy for a week or two?
No thanks!
“Bad attitude guys” win titles like CONSTANTLY.
Boomer take, be better.
No they don’t. It isn’t possible to play if you’re not feeling up for it. Have some respect for people with depression it isn’t just “the blues”. Respect mental illness just like you’d respect a broken tailbone or ankle sprain.
Alone, no. I think a Kemba turnaround is the only thing that can be that kind of game changer for them this year. But Gordon can be an impactful long term addition; he’s a contemporary of their young all stars. Their 4-5 situation is pedestrian, not enough scoring, energy or athleticism. He can invigorate it, and that might make the wings more impactful. You can’t play small all the time (or even in every spot you need offense).
This guy is a reason the team has lost so much he didn’t live up to 4th pick he is a 4th best player on a real winning team
Would you rather have Dante Exum? Nik Stauskas?
Gordon has a higher WS and VORP than Marcus Smart. 3 of the top 10 picks in that draft are actually terrible, Gordon is not that.
It doesn’t even matter about “living up to the pick” he actually has done that. It’s not his fault his FO stinks and can’t build a contender around him.
I’d rather have a guy who takes some ownership regarding the team’s inability to win and be a consistent playoff team.
7 years in the league. His numbers show that he hasn’t really improved during that stretch. At least not for a guy who talks like he’s a superstar.
Lead by example. Keep quiet with the press and be a better player.
It was a bust draft but this guy acts like he is pre leg injuries Blake griffin he isn’t
Ya when u pick early u expect game changer AG just stink it up on the reg. Good riddance hopin magic get goodies in return we c 2day 2mor
Aaron Gordon is the reason for the Magic being so trash, every time he plays he tries to shoot for three and never makes it, he thinks he’s a good player but he’s a waste of money.
Call in the crane because trading Gordon will involve moving his bloated ego.
7 seasons bro; you’ve been part of the problem. Take a look in the mirror rather than spouting off to the press.
I’m not sure why any team would offer a 1st rounder for him; he is an average player.