The Denver Nuggets are expected to explore roster changes after a disappointing 2025–26 season that ended far earlier than they hoped.

While Nikola Jokić remains the face of the franchise and is not expected to move, attention is now turning to veteran forward Aaron Gordon as a possible trade candidate this summer, with the Los Angeles Lakers emerging as a team to watch.

Trade buzz around Gordon has grown after Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley identified him as a strong fit for the Lakers' offseason needs.

According to Sporting News, Los Angeles is reportedly looking for players who can defend multiple positions, bring size to the forward spots, and still contribute on offense.

"When the Lakers start building their summer wish list, they figure to be on the hunt for multi-positional defenders," Buckley said. "Plus, size and length at the forward spots. And the ability for those big, physical stoppers to add value on the offensive end, too."

Lakers Monitor Aaron Gordon Situation Closely

That description has made Gordon a natural name in trade conversations.

According to the Denver Post's Bennett Durando, Gordon's status in Denver is not necessarily tied to an active push to move him, but the team is at least open to exploring options as it reassesses its roster.

"There aren't a ton of players who check all of those boxes, and even fewer of them who are realistically available. But (Aaron) Gordon just might be all of the above, as the Swiss Army knife swingman will no longer be considered off the table as a trade candidate," Durando reported.

He also noted that Denver's supporting cast struggled in the playoffs, pointing to a first-round exit that exposed depth issues and limited flexibility for future moves, Yahoo reported. That uncertainty has opened the door for teams like the Lakers to monitor Gordon's situation closely.

Gordon has built a reputation as a reliable two-way forward. His role in Denver's championship run helped cement his value, and his game has continued to evolve.

Over the past two seasons, he improved his outside shooting significantly, hitting 38.9% from three this year and 43.6% the year before, a major jump from his 29.0% mark in 2023–24.