The Denver Nuggets want to pay up for a Peyton Watson extension. Without trading away one of the other big-money deals on their cap books, that could easily take the team over the second apron. It is for this reason that both Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun have found themselves in endless trade rumors. Aaron Gordon has quietly joined the mix.
Brian Windhorst reported: "Aaron Gordon in Denver. He has been such an important player for the Nuggets, but the $104 million they owe him over the next three years and his injury issues over the past two seasons have led to his name popping up in trade talks, per league sources."
The Los Angeles Lakers have been connected as a team who can help free the Nuggets of salary for quite some time ahead of free agency. Braun or Johnson would fit the plans of what the Lakers should want in Los Angeles. Gordon might fit them even better.
There is certainly a good amount of risk that comes with banking on Gordon to be healthy after an injury-riddled campaign that saw the Nuggets forward only play 36 regular season games and three playoff contests. If the Lakers trust the physical on the former NBA champion, that may be the best way to take advantage of the financial hurdles in Denver.
Getting a healthy Aaron Gordon is a worthwhile gamble for the Lakers
At his best and on the court, Gordon is the perfect complimentary player. The Nuggets vet can finish plays inside, serve as an outlet option on kickouts to the perimeter for a knockdown triple, and transform a defensive unit. Sliding him in at the four would be a massive win for the Lakers.
Again, though, the gamble hinges quite heavily on how much Los Angeles believes in Gordon's health. His cap hit in 2026-27 will be close to $32 million. That number will only ascend as the annual average on his $104 million extension will be around $34.5 million. All of that is guaranteed, too.
However, absorbing his deal would be a primary means for the Lakers to do business this summer. Dan Woike recently mentioned in one of his write-ups for The Athletic that Los Angeles is 'actively trying' to use their cap space to land talented players from teams who can no longer afford them.
That sure sounds like the Nuggets. Gordon also fits that type of desirable talent.
The Lakers have gambled on the health of players before. Marcus Smart is a prime example. Granted, Gordon would be a much more expensive roll of the dice. However, for a team with the type of money that the Lakers have, the high reward could be worth the notable risk.
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