NBA Rumors: Indiana Pacers Would Be Wise to Pursue Eric Gordon

The Indiana Pacers have a decent shot at reaching the NBA Finals, but forward thinking tells me that restricted free agent Eric Gordon would be an excellent addition to the team in 2012-2013.

Bob Finnan of the Ohio News Herald mentioned the Pacers and Gordon in a recent NBA article:

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There was some talk about Hornets shooting guard Eric Gordon getting a max offer this summer, possibly from Indiana. That might be far-fetched because he's had issues with his knees for two consecutive years. Don't rule out a possible sign-and-trade, however, with Gordon going to the Pacers and forward Danny Granger going to New Orleans. Both teams are under the cap this summer. In that scenario, the Pacers could move Paul George to small forward, which might be his natural position

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It's a move that should scare the rest of the Eastern Conference. The Pacers are already going to shed nearly $14 million is salaries this offseason, with Leandro Barbosa's $7.6 million being the largest expiring contract.

That will be more than enough to tempt Gordon—it'll just be a matter of if he wants to come to Indy. He played his college basketball (all 32 games of it) at Indiana, so there is definitely a connection to the state.

Gordon spent most of this season out with a knee injury, but the 23-year-old is a big-time scorer. He's averaged over 18 points per game in his four-year career.

This move would seemingly result in small forward Danny Granger being moved to allow Paul George to slide to the 3 spot.

Granger is set to make just over $13 million next season. He is a very capable scorer and his defensive effort in the Miami Heat series on LeBron James shows he's a willing defender.

Granger is also an 18-point-per-game scorer in his career. Some teams looking for a wing scorer could be interested. The Pacers should be looking for depth at PG, as George Hill is also a restricted free agent.

The Pacers have the young talent and the financial resources to be very good next season. Grabbing Gordon would be a huge boost to this young nucleus.

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