NBA Trade Rumors: Warriors, Hornets Reportedly Discussing Deal for Eric Gordon

The Golden State Warriors are discussing a trade that would send second-year shooting guard Klay Thompson to the New Orleans Hornets for Eric Gordon, according to Sam Amico of FoxSports.com.

Amico tweeted on Wednesday:

"

FYI: Source says trade talks involving Hornets G Eric Gordon and Warriors G Klay Thompson are at "more than exploratory" stage.

— Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) February 20, 2013"

It's surprising that Amico reports the talks as being "more than exploratory."

First of all, Chris Broussard of ESPN tweeted on Tuesday that a trade surrounding Gordon would be unlikely because of concerns about the 24-year-old's health.

Secondly, John Reid of the Times-Picayune noted on Tuesday that "the Warriors are reluctant to part ways with Thompson, whom they feel is a young emerging star."

It would be hard to imagine the Warriors giving up a rising sharpshooter in Thompson for the ailing Gordon. Not only has Gordon been having knee problems this season, he hasn't played in more than 62 games in a single season since the 2008-09 campaign. He's played in a combined 28 games in the past two seasons.

In that sense, if the Warriors were to make a move, you would have to think they'd send Richard Jefferson and/or Andris Biedrins to New Orleans in the process. As Luke Adams of HoopsRumors.com points out, Jefferson and Biedrins are making $10.16 million and $9 million respectively this season and they can exercise their player options for next season.

While Thompson's defense has been questionable at best this season, he's averaging 16.4 points while shooting 39 percent from downtown. He shot 41 percent from beyond the arc in his rookie season.

Gordon is averaging 16.6 points while shooting 36 percent from downtown.

The Warriors are 30-23 this season, good for the sixth seed in the Western Conference, but they've dropped their last six games.