Rockets Could Keep Eric Gordon Past Trade Deadline

[RealGM Wiretap]

Eric Gordon has seemingly been on the trade market since the Houston Rockets traded away James Harden to kick off a rebuild. With Gordon's deal nearing its end, the expectation has been the Rockets would look to trade him by next month's trade deadline.

However, sources indicate that Houston isn't in any rush to trade Gordon. One reason is the Rockets rumored pursuit of a reunion with Harden in free agency this summer. Harden enjoys playing with Gordon, and the Rockets may see that as a potential recruitment advantage.

Gordon's $20.9 million contract for next season is fully non-guaranteed, unless the team he is on wins the 2023 NBA Finals. At $19.6 million for this season, Gordon is an easily attainable player via trade for teams looking to add wing scoring and shooting.

Via Tim MacMahon/ESPN

[kenwood3333]

and try to trade him again next season for FRPs?

[Boogie_Smooth]

all posturing, desperation works against you in negotiation, HOU just trying to make it seem like they are okay holding unto him when they really want to offload him.

[FeatheryTouch]

all posturing, desperation works against you in negotiation, HOU just trying to make it seem like they are okay holding unto him when they really want to offload him.

Agreed, it's posturing unless the Rockets are completely stupid. Harden back to Houston makes zero sense if you leave strip clubs out of the equation.

[Ballerhogger]

i dont see any buyers. probably will.

[Ballerhogger]

and try to trade him again next season for FRPs?

if he doesnt get traded this season i dont see teams will offer anything for him.

[baldur]

and try to trade him again next season for FRPs?

Nobody's giving on a single frp for him.

[moocow007]

and try to trade him again next season for FRPs?

Houston would be nuts to pick up that $20 million for next season instead of declining it and saving the money just because they think they can get a 1st round pick next season when they can't this season. That's $20 million for a 1st round pick (MAYBE) when you can usually buy one for about $3 million if you really wanted one that badly and I don't think Houston needs any more draft picks. Pretty sure they have draft picks loaded up the wazoo already. I think something like 10 first round picks over the next 5 seasons. As far as to try to lure Harden back with Eric Gordon? Unless Eric Gordon is Hardens' mistress, I can't see why Harden would decide based on whether Gordon is going to be there one more year or not. We're talking about professional athletes and big business here.

[niha17]

nobody is taking him or his absurd contract

[rocketsfan100]

I’m sure harden enjoyed playing with him and their friends but please he is not the reason he would leave Embiid, Maxey and Morey to go back to Houston. Where these reporters get their information?

[Cyclonus12]

nobody is taking him or his absurd contract

What's so "absurd" about it? He's no superstar, but he's also by no means a scrub. A couple decades ago, that figure might have been absurd, but in a league where max contracts are rapidly approaching $60 million a year, $19.6 million for a player of Eric Gordon's abilities is a solid deal for the right team.

[hippesthippo]

Do the Rockets actually want Harden back? I can't imagine him being a good example for the team even if he'd be a nice point guard to set up the young guys.

He pretty much did whatever he wanted in Houston, so I can see why James might want to go back. He's also forced two trades in the name of getting a ring, so unless he's giving up this could just be his agent trying to drive his price.

[TheCage4]

I feel for Rockets fans.

[31to6]

for a purported shooter, this guy's %s are never impressive
43/37 for his career
43/35 this year
I mean, he can kind of manufacture offense, so the straight #s might warrant a little leeway in some people's eyes, but he ain't doing nothing else for those $19M
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gordoer01.html