Nikola Jokic
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Nikola Jokic during a game against the New York Knicks in January 2024
Wednesday, March 25, marked the anniversary of a critical Denver Nuggets trade. Five years ago, Aaron Gordon landed on the team from the Orlando Magic, teaming up with Nikola Jokic.
In hindsight, the trade turned out to be a massive win for Denver. Gordon not only thrived with the Nuggets back then, but he also continues to be a critical member of the roster so many years later.
Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic was reminded of the deal on Wednesday, following a victory over the Dallas Mavericks. When he recalled the moment he found out, Jokic revealed that it was an emotional time for him.
“I remember saying goodbye to Gary Harris, and I cried because I was so sad because we had a little bit of a good connection, and we played really good,” Jokic told reporters.
Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets reacts to a foul
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 14: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets reacts to a foul during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
“So, it was a little bit of a sad moment for me. It was actually, I think it was the plane, we landed, and then something like that happened. I’m happy that we have AG. Of course, he’s a unique player. Special player for us.”
The Nuggets Cut Ties With Gary Harris
Gary Harris
GettyDENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 15: Gary Harris #14 of the Denver Nuggets plays the Atlanta Hawks at the Pepsi Center on November 15, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Harris, now 31, started his career with the Nuggets. When he entered the NBA out of Michigan State, he was a first-round, 19th overall pick, in 2014.
The Chicago Bulls selected Harris, but traded him to the Nuggets on the night of the draft. Harris stuck with the Nuggets for seven seasons. He carved out a successful run as a role player, averaging 12.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in Denver.
When Harris went to the Magic, he spent five seasons in Orlando. He started 121 of the 231 games he played. After appearing in 48 games with the Magic last season, his team option was declined ahead of the 2025 free agency period.
Harris signed a two-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks last July. He continues his 12-year career in the Eastern Conference this season.
In the deal, the Nuggets also parted ways with RJ Hampton and a future pick. Clearly, Harris’ departure is what stuck with Jokic.
It All Worked Out For Denver
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 29: Aaron Gordon #32 of the Denver Nuggets goes to the basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter at Ball Arena on October 29, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images)
Emotions might’ve been high, but the impact couldn’t be denied.
Aaron Gordon is in the midst of a six-year run with the Nuggets, and he’s been a fantastic complementary player on the team.
In 323 games, Gordon has averaged 14.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. He’s been making 50.1% of his field goals and hitting on 41.0% of his threes.
Gordon was a key player in the Nuggets’ 2022-2023 NBA Championship run. He hopes to be a part of another, as the Nuggets remain one of the Western Conference’s top teams in 2025-2026.