NBA Trade Rumors: Five Great Fits for Eric Gordon

Allow me to say that some trade rumors are well-founded while others are... well... dumb. One of these rumors involves New Orleans guard Eric Gordon. 

Fans and analysts alike are discussing the possibilities that Gordon may be on the move after he turned down the Hornets extension offer. At this moment, there has not been any report of record suggesting that he will be moved before the season's end.

That does not mean a possible trade is on the horizon, but the Chris Paul trade that was accepted then rescinded only to be modified and approved should indicate that dealing for Gordon will not be easy.

Eric Gordon is a young, talented player, who can flat-out score as well as do a little bit of everything else. He is also affordable for now and by being the best player on the Hornets any team will have to fork over a king's ransom.

There would be difficulties making a deal that works within the 125 percent salary range for trades. Not to mention a deal that would appease NBA commissioner David Stern.  Whomever the player or players may be, the one requirement is the ability to carry out the most important duty in all of sports.

That would be to put butts in seats.

Teams must offer returning players who are similar in talent and come close enough in the appeal department to have a shot. 

Here's five teams that should pull such a deal off.

5. LA Lakers

NBA basketball in Los Angeles is as much part of the culture as the celebrities that attend to the games. They are stars who require star quality players on their basketball team. Someone of Eric Gordon's playing talents would make for a good, smooth transition once the Lakers' Kobe Bryant begins to show the wear-and-tear.

The Lakers would be a great destination for Gordon, but a deal may only involve draft picks which the Lakers do not have a war chest full of. 

Having limited assets to trade for Eric Gordon is the problem as Gordon may not be traded along with another player. 

For the moment, count the Lakers out.  They'd have to be creative putting together a deal if they were to be interested.

Chances of a deal sending Eric Gordon to the Lakers are on life support.

4. Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets coach Kevin McHale knows that he has a fairly good team. They can score against any team, averaging 98.3 points a game and they can rebound well (third in the NBA).

The Rockets flaws are defense and a lack of star-power.

I will not say that Eric Gordon is a good defender, but the tools are there for him to be solid on the defensive end. Gordon does provide potential star-power.

The FIBA World Championship games was where Eric Gordon opened eyes as a deadly shooter with range. Many have pegged him to becoming a player on the verge of stardom. For the Rockets, he would become the focal point of their offense.

A deal for Gordon would spell the end of the world for the Rockets guard Kevin Martin but after not making the playoffs since Martin has been on the roster, it may be time for change.

It would take the Rockets to give up rising talent, Patrick Patterson and a first-round pick.  

3. Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls seemingly have solved their problems at the shooting guard spot with a committee including Richard Hamilton and Ronnie Brewer. While neither appear to be long-term solutions, acquiring Eric Gordon would be.

It has been the belief of many that if the Bulls had an additional go-to-scorer to join Derrick Rose, they would be able to vault past the Miami Heat. Eric Gordon fits the bill of of the second scorer with his ability to play off the ball as well as create his own shot.

The chances are slim that the Bulls would inquire about him. He is young in terms of experience and knowing the track record of the Bulls management, they will want older players. This is a shame given that a dynasty is within their grasp if they choose to pursue Gordon.

It would take Taj Gibson or Omer Asik and Charlotte's pick from a 2009 trade of Tyrus Thomas.  

2. Indiana Pacers

For the Indiana Pacers, Eric Gordon is a natural fit. The question is what should the Pacers offer in the event that Gordon ends up on the trade market.

Danny Granger and a draft pick for Eric Gordon would be completely unwise.

First, they are similar in talent. Granger is a lanky small forward who needs to improve his shot selection, while Gordon is a shooter who can create his own shot. Granger and Gordon compliment each other well. If paired together the Pacers would threaten the Chicago Bulls for the NBA Central crown.

I understand that Granger is from the New Orleans area, but perhaps the Pacers can offer Paul George and a draft pick instead. It would be a deal that helps both teams as George brings a certain level of excitement to him.

He is not a match for the playing style of the Pacers and would greatly benefit in a fast-paced offense ran by an underrated point guard in Jarrett Jack.

1. Boston Celtics

No team needs Eric Gordon more than the Boston Celtics. With Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen entering the twilight of their careers, the Celtics need to rebuild.

Unfortunately in Boston, teams are only allowed to build on the fly.

Acquiring Eric Gordon by offering Brandon Bass would ease the burden of fans wondering when will the Celtics get back on top. 

I like Brandon Bass and he should become a solid player in the NBA, but Boston needs more than him. Adding Gordon to the mix of aging stars would help Rajon Rondo in terms of the rebuilding process as well.

It gives Rondo a player on the wing who can shoot and allow Paul Pierce to gracefully whine down his Celtics career.

Is Brandon Bass enough for the Hornets? Not exactly. It may require the Celtics to add an additional team to possibly stage a three-way deal that works. 

Chris Kaman

As reported by several news outlets, before any potential trade talks happen for Eric Gordon New Orleans will look to trade center Chris Kaman. Plenty may depend on the outcome of a Kaman trade. 

What also must be considered is the injury status of Gordon. He must prove that he can stay healthy so teams that are interested in a trade for him would be getting the player that has a ton of upside.