Aaron Gordon is an American professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets who won his first NBA championship in 2023. Known for his explosive athleticism and memorable dunk contest performances, Gordon has built a career worth watching both on and off the court.
Quick Facts About Aaron Gordon
| Full Name | Aaron Addison Gordon |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 16, 1995 |
| Age | 30 years old |
| Height | 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m) |
| Position | Power Forward |
| Current Team | Denver Nuggets |
| Net Worth | $50-60 million |
| Nationality | American |
| Jersey Number | 32 |
| NBA Draft | 2014, 4th overall pick |
Early Life and Basketball Roots
Aaron Gordon was born in San Jose, California, to former San Diego State basketball player Ed Gordon and Shelly Davis Gordon. Basketball runs deep in the Gordon family bloodline.
His father played basketball at San Diego State and later tried out for the New England Patriots as a tight end despite having no prior football experience. After that, Ed Gordon played professional basketball in Mexico for a year.
Aaron grew up with two siblings who also pursued basketball. His older brother Drew became a professional basketball player, while his older sister Elise played collegiately for the Harvard women’s basketball team. This athletic environment shaped Aaron’s competitive spirit from a young age.
High School Dominance and College Career
Gordon attended Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, where he led his team to two state championships and was named California Mr. Basketball in his junior and senior years. His dominance wasn’t limited to basketball—he also competed in track and field as a thrower.
During his senior year, Aaron emerged as one of the nation’s top prospects. He was named a McDonald’s All-American and won the McDonald’s All-American Game MVP in 2013. He also earned USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year honors the same year.
Gordon played one year of college basketball with the Arizona Wildcats, during which they won the Pac-12 regular season title and reached the Elite Eight of the 2014 NCAA tournament. He was named Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and earned All-Pac-12 First Team honors.
After just one season, Aaron declared for the NBA draft on April 15, 2014, forgoing his final three years of college eligibility.
NBA Career: From Orlando Magic to Denver Nuggets
Gordon was selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic. He signed with the team on July 2, 2014, and began his professional journey.
His rookie season was interrupted when he fractured a bone in his left foot in November 2014, forcing him to miss 32 games. He returned to action in January 2015 and began building his reputation as a high-flying forward.
The Dunk Contest Legend
Aaron Gordon became a household name during the NBA All-Star Weekend. During the 2016 NBA All-Star Weekend, Gordon was the runner-up to Zach LaVine in the Slam Dunk Contest. Their battle through two tie-breakers drew comparisons to the legendary 1988 showdown between Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins.
Gordon utilized Stuff the Magic Dragon, his team’s mascot, in his dunks. His final dunk involved him jumping over Stuff while passing the ball under both legs. Many fans and experts believe he deserved to win that night.
Four years later, history repeated itself. Gordon scored six straight perfect 50s in the 2020 dunk contest but lost to Derrick Jones Jr. by a single point after clearing 7-foot-6 Boston rookie Tacko Fall. The crowd and players were shocked when Gordon received only a 47 for his final dunk.
After two controversial losses, Gordon announced his retirement from the dunk contest. He holds the record for the most perfect 50-point dunks in contest history with eight.
Trade to Denver and Championship Glory
In March 2021, Gordon was traded to the Denver Nuggets from Orlando along with Gary Clark for Gary Harris, RJ Hampton, and a 2025 first-round pick. The move transformed his career.
In Denver, Aaron found his ideal role playing alongside three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and star guard Jamal Murray. After being traded to the Nuggets in 2021, Gordon won his first NBA championship in 2023.
The 2025 season brought new highlights. On October 23, 2025, Gordon put up a career-high 50 points on 10-of-11 three-point shooting in a 137-131 overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors. He also made history in the playoffs with a buzzer-beating dunk—the first game-winning buzzer-beater dunk in NBA playoff history.
Gordon is currently sidelined with a right hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks. Before the injury, he was having an exceptional season, averaging 18.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
Aaron Gordon’s Net Worth and Contract Details
Aaron Gordon’s net worth is estimated to be between $50 million and $60 million as of 2025. His wealth comes from NBA contracts, endorsements, and smart investments.
In October 2024, Gordon signed a 3-year, $103.6 million veteran contract extension with Denver, which includes a 2028-29 player option and a 3% trade bonus. For the 2025-26 season, he will earn $22.8 million.
Through his NBA career, Aaron Gordon has made at least $158,818,006 playing professional basketball. His current contract ensures he remains a cornerstone of the Nuggets through their championship window.
Beyond basketball, Gordon has endorsement deals with several major brands. He has endorsement deals with brands like Chinese sportswear company 361°, where he has his own signature shoe line, Nike, Gatorade, and SAXX Underwear.
Personal Life: Family, Relationships, and Tragedy
Aaron Gordon keeps his personal life relatively private. Gordon is not currently married and appears to be single. He previously dated Dakota Gonzalez, a former college basketball player, from 2014 to 2020, and Brazilian model Izabela Guedes from 2020 to 2021.
Brother Drew Gordon’s Death
The most profound event in Aaron’s recent life was the tragic loss of his older brother. Drew Gordon, a former professional basketball player and the older brother of Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, died in a car crash on May 30, 2024, in Clackamas County, Oregon. He was 33.
Drew was driving a Vanderhall Carmel, a three-wheeled autocycle, that passed over the center line and collided with a pickup truck. He died at the scene, leaving behind his wife Angela and three sons.
Following his death, Aaron Gordon changed his jersey number from 50 to 32 to pay homage to his older brother. The number 32 has been worn by several Gordon family members over the years.
Aaron has stepped up as an uncle with dedication. He’s often spotted at his nephews’ school events, bringing them to games, and even letting them crash his post-game interviews. His sister Elise now serves as his co-agent, keeping the family close.
Lifestyle, Investments, and Philanthropy
Aaron Gordon isn’t just smart on the court—he’s building wealth off it too. After moving to Denver, he purchased an old warehouse in an industrial area of Eastern Denver and transformed it into a state-of-the-art, two-story home. The property features an NBA regulation half-court, sauna, hot and cold tubs, and a complete weight room.
His car collection reflects his success, valued at over $450,000. It includes a Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R, Aston Martin Vantage, and Aston Martin DB11 worth $200,990.
In 2020, Gordon ventured into business by investing in Dapper Labs, a company known for digital gaming products. He has since expanded his portfolio with investments in Lyra Health (mental health platform), Crosschq (talent recruitment), Overtime (sports media), and Sundae (real estate marketplace).
Gordon established the Gordon Family Giving Foundation in 2018 to support STEM education for underserved youth, inspired by his mother’s career in technology. The foundation provides opportunities through science and engineering education programs for underrepresented communities.
2025 Season Performance and Recent Updates
The 2025 season has been a mix of brilliance and setbacks for Gordon. This season, Gordon is averaging 18.8 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting a career-best percentage from three-point range.
His career-high 50-point performance against the Warriors showcased his improved outside shooting. Gordon has focused on increasing his three-point volume and percentage, shooting at a 43.6% rate last season.
The Nuggets have strengthened their roster with additions like Cam Johnson, Jonas Valanciunas, Bruce Brown, and Tim Hardaway Jr., giving them another shot at the championship. Gordon confidently stated about the 2025-26 championship: “We’re going to be the ones that walk off with a win.”
Final Thoughts
Aaron Gordon’s journey from high school phenom to NBA champion tells a story of talent, perseverance, and resilience. While he never won the dunk contest that made him famous, he won something far more valuable—an NBA championship ring.
His ability to reinvent himself after leaving Orlando shows maturity and basketball IQ. In Denver, he found the perfect role as a versatile forward who can defend, finish lobs, and now shoot from distance.
The tragedy of losing his brother Drew has added a deeper layer to Gordon’s story. His dedication to his nephews and family shows character beyond basketball. At 30 years old, with a new contract extension and a team built for championship contention, Aaron Gordon’s best years may still be ahead of him.
His impact extends beyond the court through philanthropy, smart investments, and community leadership. Whether you remember him for his jaw-dropping dunks, his championship contributions, or his resilience through personal loss, Aaron Gordon represents what it means to be a complete professional athlete in 2025.
