Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic experienced a moment of disappointment when the team traded for Aaron Gordon on March 25, 2021. The Nuggets were on a bus at the Tampa Bay airport at the time, and Jokic was saddened by the departure of a teammate.

Initial Disappointment and a Unique Circumstance

Jokic recalled saying goodbye to Gary Clark, expressing sadness over the loss of a player with whom he had a good connection. “I remember saying goodbye to Gary,” he said, “and I cried because I was so sad. We had a little bit good connection, and we played really good.” The situation was unusual, as the Toronto Raptors were temporarily based in Tampa due to COVID-19 travel restrictions between the U.S. and Canada.

Gordon's Desire for a Change

Aaron Gordon, playing for the Orlando Magic at the time, had requested a trade after over six years with the team. He was seeking a new environment where he could compete for championships. He knew a trade was coming but didn’t anticipate finding basketball success in Denver.

A Championship-Focused Fit

According to his agent, Calvin Andrews, Gordon’s primary desire was to win. “All Aaron ever did was win,” Andrews stated. “So when we had the conversation about Denver, the conversation was like, ‘Don’t you want to get back to winning?’ … He’s like, ‘I get it. I’m all in for that.’” Gordon was willing to adjust his role to contribute to a winning team.

The Trade Details and Denver's Pursuit

The Nuggets acquired Gordon, along with Gary Clark, from the Orlando Magic in exchange for RJ Hampton, a 2025 first-round draft pick (conveyed as the 25th selection), and veteran forward Gary Clark. Denver had previously explored trades for players like Jrue Holiday, seeking a defensive presence to counter offensive threats like Steph Curry.

Addressing a Need for Defensive Versatility

Nuggets’ front office staff, including general manager Calvin Wallace, were looking for a player who could defend a variety of positions. “We kept saying, ‘Who can defend the monsters of the league?’ The Kawhis, the LeBrons, the Paul Georges, so forth,” Wallace said. They needed someone with the size, strength, and mobility to guard elite offensive players.

Concerns and Adjustments

The Nuggets were initially concerned about Gordon’s willingness to accept a less prominent role after being a primary scorer in Orlando. However, Gordon was open to a stylistic adjustment, embracing a read-and-react offense centered around Nikola Jokic. He understood that his role would be to complement Jokic’s game.

A Successful Acquisition

Five years later, the acquisition of Gordon has proven to be a resounding success. The Nuggets’ net rating improves by 11 points per 100 possessions when Gordon is on the court. He has become a versatile player, shifting between positions and solidifying his place as a fan favorite. He’s proven to be a crucial component of the Nuggets’ championship core.

The Announcement and Reactions

The news of the trade was delivered to RJ Hampton and Michael Porter Jr. on the team bus. Hampton remarked, “I’ve got to ask you this one more time, man.” The team acknowledged the departure of valued players but recognized the potential benefits of adding Gordon.