Houston Rockets: The Top-5 Contenders That Could Make a Move for Eric Gordon Part 4

The Houston Rockets are asking for a first-round pick in return for Eric Gordon. If you missed part 1, 2, and/or 3 click the link(s) below. In part 4, we look at contender #2 that could make a move for Eric Gordon.

Contender #2 that could make a move for Eric Gordon: Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers are sneakily one of the best teams in the league. Their +5.3 net rating is the fourth-best in the league and the best in the Eastern Conference. They’ve been able to exceed all expectations even though they lost Collin Sexton after 11 games and Ricky Rubio after 34 games. The two suffering season-ending knee injuries would have excused a slide, but Darius Garland’s breakout has kept their backcourt afloat.

However, the Cavaliers desperately need reinforcements if they’re going to capitalize on their surprise status as a contender, and Eric Gordon is the perfect fit. 

The Cavaliers have the third-ranked defense, but their 11th ranked offense could be their undoing. For as good as Garland has been this season, he’s an undersized guard that could struggle in the postseason when teams try to scheme him out of the game. 

Gordon’s ability to run an offense and punish overzealous defenders with his lethal 3-point shot could be the difference in a playoff series. 

Ricky Rubio’s $17.8 million expiring contract is a near-perfect match for Gordon’s, and the Cavaliers own all of their first-round picks and they own the Rockets’ 2022 second-round pick. A future first and the Rockets second-round pick, that’s likely to be in the top-40, for Eric Gordon is a great deal.