Houston Rockets: Four teams who should trade for Eric Gordon

The Houston Rockets have endured one challenge after another to start the season. They weathered a COVID outbreak just as the season was beginning and had to play through James Harden’s very public desire to be traded.

However, through all of the turmoil the Rockets are still in a position to make a playoff run, and one of the most promising developments this season has been the reemergence of Eric Gordon. With the departure of James Harden, Gordon along with P.J. Tucker are now the longest-tenured Rockets.

Eric Gordon’s regained form has come at an excellent time for the franchise as he is entering the first year of a four year extension set to pay him $75.6 million. The boost in his production this season came on the heels of Gordon’s worst season as a professional that set him up to be one of the worst contracts in the entire league.

What type of return can the Rockets get for Gordon?

The Rockets are building for the future and at 32-years-old Gordon doesn’t fit into the franchise’s future plans. P.J. Tucker, in the last year of his deal, is a likely trade candidate and Gordon should also see his name run through the rumor mill.

Moving Gordon won’t be easy but he has reestablished his trade value enough that if made available he’ll have suitors. Due to the size and length of Gordon’s contract, the Rockets won’t receive much in return but offloading him will open up future cap space, which has recently been prioritized by the franchise.

Eric Gordon represents the rare midseason trade candidate that can help your team’s playoff push and be a part of their future plans. These are the four teams that should make a move for Gordon and the return they’ll have to send the Rockets’ way.

Next: Team No. 4