Houston Rockets: Four teams who should trade for Eric Gordon

Houston Rockets trade partner number 3: The Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks were not expecting to have to fight for a playoff spot. A year after fielding the best offense in the league, the Mavericks have dropped to 19th as Luka Doncic has had to shoulder an incredible offensive load.

The Mavericks are desperate for another ball-handler to lessen Doncic’s offensive burden and Gordon could also fit nicely off-ball next to him. Another perk of adding Gordon is that he’s under contract for multiple seasons which will allow the Mavericks to weather the possible departure of Tim Hardaway Jr.

The Mavericks need help on the offensive end and Gordon would make their bench unit and their starting unit more dangerous. The cost of doing business would be sending James Johnson and a second-round pick to Houston.

Johnson has been solid on defense this season but the appeal for the Rockets is that his contract is an expiring deal. Once again, this move opens up future salary-cap space for the Rockets but it also provides depth at power forward and the center position this season.

Johnson was acquired by the Mavericks this offseason but the team has more pressing needs on the offensive end than maintaining their 20th ranked defense. Perhaps the Mavericks want to simply wait and see what this roster can do but time is not on their side as their current 8-11 record has them outside the playoff picture entirely.

Next: Team No. 2