Could Aaron Gordon be on the move?
Since arriving in Denver in March 2021 in a trade with the Orlando Magic, Aaron Gordon has helped the Nuggets become one of the top teams in the league.
With Gordon in the lineup, Denver has a 219-109 record n the regular season, and were 27-9 this past season, which is a 62-win pace. Denver won a championship in 2023 with Gordon playing a key role. In the past two postseasons, Gordon has dealt with injury issues that limited him in game seven against the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2025 and caused him to miss three games against the Minnesota Timberwolves this past postseason.
With Gordon's durability being questioned, is it time for Denver to move on?
Trading Aaron Gordon
According to The Athletic, the Nuggets might have "uncomfortable conversations" regarding Gordon and the possibility of trading him if Nikola Jokic does sign a contract extension.
Denver has had three straight disappointing playoff exits after winning a championship, leading to questions about the roster around Jokic. Though Gordon has been a core member of the team, not being available at the most important time of the season has been a mark against him.
Nuggets executive Josh Kroenke has already said that everything shy of trading Nikola Jokic is on the table this offseason, hinting that Gordon or Jamal Murray could be moved as the team looks to return to championship form.
A Good Move To Trade Gordon?
There is no denying that the Nuggets are a better team with Gordon on the court. With Gordon on the floor this past season, Denver had a +13.8 net rating compared to a +3.1 net rating with him off the floor.
Over the past five seasons, Denver has a +9.9 net rating with him on and a +0.4 rating with him off.
Gordon does spend many minutes playing alongside Jokic, which helps everyone's numbers, but his impact can't be discounted in those minutes. He's grown to have an on-court connection with Jokic that can only be built through time and reps. He knows where to be, when to cut, and when to give the three-time MVP space.
Gordon will be 31 by the time next season starts and injuries have cause a decline in athleticism, but trading a guy who has earned the nickname Mr. Nugget could do irreparable damage to the fanbase unless the return is monumental.
Denver has to get back a player, or players, who they are 100% confident will be more impactful than Gordon, otherwise it's a move that should not be broached.
