Earlier in the week, Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld reported that the Bobcats, expected to be buyers at the trade deadline, are shopping Ben Gordon and his expiring contract in an effort to land a player who could help the team win now.
The most logical fits for Gordon are teams without playoff aspirations looking to create future cap flexibility. For a club like that, sending out a productive player on a multiyear contract would allow for more cap space this July, and depending on the player, could earn them an extra asset or two from Charlotte. It would also reduce the talent on this season’s roster, allowing the team to land a higher spot in the 2014 draft lottery.
So which teams might fit that bill and be a fit for a Gordon deal? Here are a few ideas:
Los Angeles Lakers:
Multiple reports have suggested that the Lakers’ asking price for Pau Gasol remains too high, but if the Bobcats were willing to come close to that price, perhaps there’d be a match. A package such as Gordon, Jannero Pargo, Anthony Tolliver, and a first-round pick for Gasol would work under CBA rules, reduce the Lakers’ tax bill, and allow them to pick up an asset without taking on any multiyear contracts. There are issues with my proposal, of course, such as whether the Bobcats would part with a first-rounder for Pau, or whether the Lakers would want to waive anyone to make it work. Still, it’d at least be a starting point.
SOURCE:
http://www.hoopsrumors.com/2014/01/trade-candidate-gordon.html
JK
