76ers Rumors: Eric Gordon Targeted in Trade Using Matisse Thybulle; Blazers Linked

The Philadelphia 76ers are attempting to acquire Eric Gordon from the Houston Rockets and are willing to include Matisse Thybulle in a deal, according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Philadelphia is also attempting to get a third team involved in a potential deal, Pompey added, and the Portland Trail Blazers are "willing to make a straight-up deal for Thybulle."

However, Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey wants the Blazers to do a three-team deal so they can land Gordon, according to Pompey.

The news comes after ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported the 76ers and Phoenix Suns were among the teams interested in acquiring Gordon.

Gordon is under contract through the 2023-24 season and has a $19.6 million cap hit for the upcoming season, according to Spotrac.

At the 2021-22 season trade deadline, Rockets general manager Rafael Stone reportedly wanted more than a late first-round pick in the 2022 draft to move him. That said, it could be costly for Philadelphia to acquire him this summer.

Kelly Iko of The Athletic reported earlier this week that the Rockets "would require a first-round pick or a younger player who could help them now to move off Gordon." Iko added that the Rockets didn't have a strong desire to move Gordon or feel any pressure to move him.

That said, Gordon has spent the last six seasons in Houston, and it wouldn't be surprising if the Rockets trade him to the Sixers, or elsewhere, this summer as they continue to focus on building around a young roster.

The 33-year-old had a solid 2021-22 campaign, averaging 13.4 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 57 games while shooting 47.5 percent from the floor and 41.2 percent from deep. He would provide Philadelphia with outside shooting and would also be welcomed as a third ball-handler alongside Tyrese Maxey and James Harden.

Adding Gordon could help the 76ers get over the hump in 2022-23 after a disappointing loss to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Semifinals this year. However, they'll face some tough competition with the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks expected to once again contend for a title.