NBA Rumors: Indiana Pacers Smart to Position Themselves for Run at Eric Gordon

With the New Orleans Hornets and shooting guard Eric Gordon unable to reach a contract extension ahead of Wednesday's deadline, he could be available. One team that would be wise to inquire is the Indiana Pacers.

According to Marc Stein of ESPN, the Pacers have long coveted Gordon (an Indiana native) and they would love to work out some type of deal either through trade as soon as possible or restricted free agency during the offseason.

The Pacers' considerable depth has led them to a 12-5 record, making them one of the biggest surprises in the NBA. Depth is certainly a great thing to have, but when push comes to shove, it remains to be seen if they can beat a star-studded team like the Miami Heat in the playoffs. Gordon is just the type of player Indiana could use.

I wouldn't call Gordon an elite player just yet, but he is a budding star capable of filling it up on any given night. Gordon is averaging 21 points per game this season as a Hornet and he averaged over 22 points per contest last year with the Los Angeles Clippers. Gordon is also a three-point gunner as evidenced by his three consecutive seasons with at least 100 treys.

The Hornets may be willing to deal Gordon even though they just acquired him prior to the season in the Chris Paul trade. If New Orleans doesn't feel as though a fair contract will be reached during the offseason, the Pacers may be able to capitalize and land Gordon right now.

It's difficult to say who the Pacers would have to give up for Gordon. Stein suggested star small forward Danny Granger. However, with everything Granger can do, I doubt Indiana would consider moving him. The Pacers do have a host of solid young players, though, so I think something can get done.

Even if a trade isn't in the cards, the Pacers have the cap space to make a contract offer during the offseason. Indiana currently has the most cap space in the league at $14.3 million so they're in great position to pursue Gordon from pretty much any avenue.

While I'm sure that Indiana would love to get Gordon into the fold as soon as possible, waiting to sign him to an offer sheet may be the best course of action. I understand that the Hornets could obviously match it, but the Pacers have the ability to make a better offer.

If the Pacers can somehow add Gordon to their current core during the offseason, they will immediately become one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference. Indiana is already a lot better than most casual fans probably realize, but bringing in a high-volume scorer like Gordon would round out the team very well.

However you slice it, the Pacers are in a very advantageous position right now. They already have a solid team, so adding Gordon immediately isn't a must, and they have the upper hand in any possible trade negotiations with the Hornets since New Orleans may be desperate to get compensation of some kind.

If Indiana truly wants Gordon, then it can get him through trade or free agency. It wouldn't come without risk, but I think Gordon is the type of player that can put the Pacers over the top.