Aaron Gordon Traded to Denver Nuggets: Fueled Nikola Jokic's MVP Season

How the Trade Fueled Nikola Jokic's Success

The Denver Nuggets made a significant trade in March 2021, acquiring forward Aaron Gordon from the Orlando Magic. Gordon had been averaging 14.6 points and 6.6 rebounds over 25 games that season. While Gordon's numbers may not seem particularly impressive, his impact on the Nuggets' roster has been profound.

Nikola Jokic's MVP Campaign

The most notable impact of the Gordon trade has been on center Nikola Jokic. In the season following the trade, Jokic had a breakout year, averaging 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. He led the Nuggets to the third seed in the Western Conference and won his first MVP award.

Gordon played a key role in Jokic's success by providing him with a versatile and athletic frontcourt partner. Gordon's ability to defend multiple positions and create his own shot allowed Jokic to focus on his playmaking and scoring.

Reshaping the Nuggets' Roster

In addition to Gordon, the Nuggets also acquired guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the trade. Caldwell-Pope brought much-needed perimeter defense to the team, which helped improve their overall defensive efficiency.

The Gordon and Caldwell-Pope trades have significantly reshaped Denver's roster since the 2020 NBA bubble. The team has improved its defense, added more athleticism and versatility, and created a better balance between scoring and playmaking. As a result, the Nuggets have become a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.