Eric Gordon Trade Rumors: Rockets Guard Has Been 'Discussed' in Possible Deals
Houston Rockets shooting guard Eric Gordon is reportedly available for trade heading into the 2021 NBA offseason.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Tuesday that the Rockets have "discussed" the 2016-17 NBA Sixth Man of the Year in various "trade scenarios" with interested teams.
Houston has embraced a full-scale rebuild after trading away James Harden, Russell Westbrook, P.J. Tucker and Victor Oladipo since December.
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Gordon could be the next player dealt with an eye toward the future.
He averaged 17.8 points, 2.6 threes, 2.6 assists and 2.1 rebounds across 27 appearances during the 2020-21 season. He missed the final two months while recovering from a groin injury.
The 32-year-old Indianapolis native is under contract through 2023-24 as part of a four-year, $75.6 million deal. In May, he told The Athletic's Kelly Iko his original plan was to "retire here," but he wasn't sure whether that'll still be the case because of the sudden rebuild.
"You do have to think about your future. No question," Gordon said. "Because we went through a lot of change. When I signed my contract in Houston, I thought we were going to be a team that keeps the band together and tries to keep pushing for the [championship]."
Gordon would be a better fit on a contender, particularly as a key offensive contributor off the bench. Houston would benefit from moving his contract to create some financial flexibility for when it attempts to turn the corner in the next few years.
His hometown Indiana Pacers could be a landing spot.
J. Michael of the Indianapolis Star reported the Pacers could be willing to move the No. 13 pick in the 2021 NBA draft in a trade for an established player. They previously "talked" with the Rockets about their possible interest in such a deal.
Gordon could operate as the chief reserve behind the backcourt/wing trio of Malcolm Brogdon, Caris LeVert and T.J. Warren when Indiana is at full strength, providing a nice boost to the second unit.
It's unclear how many other teams have expressed interest in Gordon, but the Rockets should be exploring all possibilities for him.
