The Portland Trail Blazers have made it clear they want to add a scoring wing this summer. Jaylen Brown is their top target. But if that deal doesn’t happen, they’ve got a fallback option that comes with a weird twist involving Boston.
According to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Blazers have expressed interest in Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon as a contingency plan. The Nuggets are reportedly open to moving Gordon this offseason as they try to reshape the roster around Nikola Jokic, especially after Gordon’s struggles staying healthy the last couple of years.
Here’s where it gets ironic. Scotto also reported that the Celtics have been keeping tabs on Gordon from afar. So if Boston decides to move Brown and then swoop in for Gordon themselves, that would be something.
What Gordon Brings to the Table
Gordon isn’t the explosive perimeter scorer Brown is. Not even close. But he’d give Portland a ton of versatility on both ends. He can guard multiple positions, finish lobs, crash the boards, and he’s added a reliable three-point shot to his game over the last few seasons. That’s not nothing.
The Blazers just hired Micah Nori as their new head coach, pulling him from the Timberwolves staff. They also have Deni Avdija already on the roster. Adding someone like Gordon would give them a frontline that can switch defensively and doesn’t need the ball to be effective. Plus, Gordon would likely cost way less in a trade than Brown would, given his age and injury history. So it’s a solid Plan B.
For now, Portland turns its attention to free agency, which opens Tuesday evening. The Brown sweepstakes might drag on, but the Blazers at least have a backup plan. And if Boston ends up circling back on Gordon? That would make for a pretty funny footnote.
Leave a Comment