The Boston Celtics reportedly are considered the "frontrunners" to land Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon ahead of Thursday's NBA trade deadline.
But there might be another shoe that needs to drop.
The Athletic's Joe Vardon shared some interesting insight Tuesday suggesting the Celtics may be looking to make "multiple moves," and that a trade with Orlando for Gordon could end up involving a third team.
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"An NBA executive, watching from afar when it comes to the Gordon sweepstakes, says he’s not the only name the Celtics are chasing. If he was, the deal would be done," Vardon wrote.
"Executing deals with Boston can be tricky. Offers are often made out of Beantown for players not currently on the Celtics’ roster (meaning a third team has to get involved), which can frustrate colleagues looking to make a big deal."
Vardon then noted the Oklahoma City Thunder, with their mountain of future picks (17 first rounders through 2026), potentially could serve as that third team to reroute draft assets to a club like the Magic.
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Boston reportedly has interest in Magic wing Evan Fournier, as well, so one big multi-player trade could be possible. The Action Network's Matt Moore reported the Celtics have offered two first-round picks to Orlando and also could send a player in return for Gordon and Fournier.
That player could be Marcus Smart, although the C's may have reservations about parting with their emotional leader amid their issues with energy and effort.
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Ainge apparently has other irons in the fire: Boston reportedly has interest in Atlanta Hawks big man John Collins and potentially teammate Bogdan Bogdanovic, as well. The Celtics also have been linked to Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes, although those rumors have quieted of late.
Vardon's intel suggests that if Ainge makes a move, it could involve multiple players or teams, and that Gordon isn't Boston's end-all-be-all. In any case, it sounds like the Celtics' president of basketball operations will be making plenty of calls between now and Thursday afternoon.