Because there are threads about Jabari Parker and Julius Randle already, I figured I could add a thread about the other RFA the Kings might go after: Aaron Gordon. Gordon, listed at 6'9" and 220 lb is coming off a much improved season where he managed to increase his scoring to 17.6 points per game. He shot 34% on three pointers, the first season in his career being over 30%, on a career-high 5.9 attempts per game while finally being freed to play at Power Forward. On the first glance, one wonders why would there be a chance that the Magic let this guy walk after this improvement? Well, to start, his numbers, especially the shooting, mostly came from a hot start to begin the year. He shot 59% in October, 40% in November, 36% in December, 21% in January, 33% in February and March and 28% in April. Just as inconsistent was his scoring per game. Meanwhile, Gordon is also not the defender everyone projected him out of college. While he is good, he is not a lock-down defender yet.
If you add all that up, one can see why it isn't a no-brainer for the Magic to match even max-offers, especially because they have so many other big contracts on the book. Their new FO didnt draft him but drafted Isaac, who projects to be similar to Gordon, last year. They already gauged the market value for him at the deadline and if you follow their local media, it seems like both parties might be going different ways in the future. Aaron openly communicates he is worthy of the Max, while the FO seems more hesistant about commiting.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/spor...blog/os-sp-magic-aaron-gordon-0413-story.html
In my opinion, Gordon would be a terrific fit for this Kings team, more-so than Jabari Parker or Julius Randle. If he continues to improve his shooting which I think he will, he would fill two needs at once, namely stretching the floor from the 4-spot and being a big wing to throw at the Lebrons, KDs and Kawhis of the NBA. He would bring a lot of excitement back to California where he is born. The questions is more what would the Kings have to pay so that the Magic don't match? Projected as of today, the Kings don't have the 25 million it would take for a max offer if everyone opts in. However they could create the necessary room if one player opts out, or is stretched, or if they offer Orlando a sign-and-trade where Orlando takes back between 4-5 million at least (WCS would fit the bill though that seems a bit much to give up). Is he worth that, however? It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
If you add all that up, one can see why it isn't a no-brainer for the Magic to match even max-offers, especially because they have so many other big contracts on the book. Their new FO didnt draft him but drafted Isaac, who projects to be similar to Gordon, last year. They already gauged the market value for him at the deadline and if you follow their local media, it seems like both parties might be going different ways in the future. Aaron openly communicates he is worthy of the Max, while the FO seems more hesistant about commiting.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/spor...blog/os-sp-magic-aaron-gordon-0413-story.html
In my opinion, Gordon would be a terrific fit for this Kings team, more-so than Jabari Parker or Julius Randle. If he continues to improve his shooting which I think he will, he would fill two needs at once, namely stretching the floor from the 4-spot and being a big wing to throw at the Lebrons, KDs and Kawhis of the NBA. He would bring a lot of excitement back to California where he is born. The questions is more what would the Kings have to pay so that the Magic don't match? Projected as of today, the Kings don't have the 25 million it would take for a max offer if everyone opts in. However they could create the necessary room if one player opts out, or is stretched, or if they offer Orlando a sign-and-trade where Orlando takes back between 4-5 million at least (WCS would fit the bill though that seems a bit much to give up). Is he worth that, however? It will be interesting to see how this plays out.