Lakers among reported teams that could lure Aaron Gordon away from Denver

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ stunning upset of the Denver Nuggets sent shockwaves through the NBA postseason, and the fallout has already begun. With the former 2022-23 champions entering an early offseason, trade rumors are swirling around core pieces, most notably forward Aaron Gordon with the Los Angeles Lakers.

According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, several heavyweight contenders could be monitoring Gordon’s status. “Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Boston Celtics are among the many win-now teams Gordon would obviously fit in with as realistic trade suitors,” Siegel reported.

While whispers have even mentioned Nikola Jokic, those remain purely speculative, as no credible insiders have suggested the three-time MVP is looking for a way out of Denver.

Meanwhile, the Lakers—who are currently locked into a clash with the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder—find themselves at the center of the rumor mill despite their ongoing playoff run.

Breaking down Gordon’s contract

The logistics of a Gordon trade are complicated. The forward is under contract through the 2028-29 NBA season, making him a long-term commitment for any suitor. According to Siegel, teams may look to engage the Nuggets in talks ahead of the NBA Draft to jumpstart a potential deal.

See also

Austin Reaves unveils why returning to the Lakers was his top priority

However, the financial hurdle is steep. Gordon has roughly $103 million remaining on his deal starting next season. For “win-now” teams like the Lakers, Suns, and Celtics—all of whom are facing tight salary cap constraints—absorbing that figure would require significant roster gymnastics.

Why Gordon could be the premier “Win-Now” target

The interest in Gordon isn’t a mystery; it’s a reflection of his evolution into one of the league’s most versatile “glue guys.” His ability to guard multiple positions, play above the rim, and provide elite secondary scoring makes him a plug-and-play fit for any championship hopeful.

For the Nuggets, the question becomes whether they believe this roster has another run in them, or if the time has come to recoup assets before Gordon’s massive extension kicks in.