
Nuggets' Aaron Gordon Eyeing Full Return and Trade Talk Heats Up Ahead of Deadline
The Denver Nuggets are facing a pivotal moment as they approach the trade deadline and work to bolster their roster for the second half of the 2024-25 season. One of the most intriguing storylines is the return of Aaron Gordon, whose health status and potential return to the starting lineup have been key topics among fans and analysts alike.
After a long stint recovering from a calf injury, Gordon has made it clear that he's ready to get back to full action. The 6'8" forward, who has been a key defensive anchor for the Nuggets, recently stated, "I’m ready. I don’t feel my calf anymore. Yeah. I’m ready." With his calf no longer a major issue, Gordon’s return to form is expected to provide a significant boost to the Nuggets, especially as they push for a higher playoff seed in the Western Conference.
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Gordon has been coming off the bench since his return, still on a minutes restriction, but he has shown glimpses of his impactful play. His minutes have been limited to just under 25 minutes per game, but that hasn't stopped him from making an impact. In fact, the Nuggets have a +9.5 net rating when Gordon plays without Nikola Jokić, a combination that had historically struggled. This unique pairing without the MVP-caliber Jokić has opened up some interesting possibilities for the Nuggets' rotations, potentially giving head coach Michael Malone a tough decision to make about Gordon's role going forward.
The Nuggets are currently on a good run, sitting at a solid 28-17 record, good for the fourth seed in the West. Their recent success, especially with Russell Westbrook starting, has led to more questions about how to best utilize their roster. Some fans and analysts have even speculated about the possibility of trading Michael Porter Jr., as Gordon's potential return to the starting five could lead to a roster reshuffle.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Nuggets are also weighing their options for adding more depth. The team has made it clear that they are looking to improve their frontcourt or add a sniper to their bench, which would complement Jokić’s elite playmaking. There's also talk of potentially bringing back a familiar face like Bruce Brown, or even exploring options like John Collins or Zach LaVine, though these moves would come at a significant cost in terms of draft picks and contracts.
It’s clear that Denver has a unique opportunity this season, with a combination of roster flexibility, superstar talent in Jokić, and the potential for Gordon to return to full strength. The Nuggets are cautiously optimistic about their chances, and the trade deadline could be the perfect time to make a move that pushes them into true title contention. As for Gordon, it seems like he's ready to be a key part of whatever changes are to come, whether that means returning to the starting lineup or continuing his important work off the bench.
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