The Houston Rockets are one of the worst teams in the NBA this season and figure to be sellers as the trade deadline approaches.
One of their most valuable assets is surely talented veteran Eric Gordon. For that reason, the Rockets seem intent on getting a nice return in any potential deal involving him. According to a recent report, the team is asking for a first-round pick in exchange for the guard.
“Eric Gordon, 33, is shooting career-highs from the field (.505) and three-point range (.455) after two injury-riddled seasons,” Michael Scotto of HoopsHype wrote. “With Gordon healthy and adding a needed veteran presence to a rebuilding Rockets team, Houston is seeking a first-round pick in trade talks for the veteran scoring guard, league sources told HoopsHype.
“Several playoff-caliber teams are monitoring Gordon, as noted on a recent episode of the HoopsHype podcast.”
Though the Rockets have been dismal all season, Gordon has enjoyed a strong campaign thus far. He’s averaging 14.9 points and 3.3 assists per game so far this season. He’s also taken his shooting to the next level.
Most importantly, he has managed to stay on the floor for the most part, appearing in 38 of Houston’s 45 games so far. He struggled mightily with injuries during the past two seasons.
Though he is getting up there in age at 33 years old, Gordon has proven that he still has quite a lot left in the tank. Surely, he could be of great use to a team that is looking to add a veteran guard with a solid amount of playoff pedigree.
Still, it remains to be seen whether another team values Gordon as highly as the Rockets seem to. If Houston truly wants to get a first-round pick in exchange for Gordon, it’s going to have to hope that he continues to play at a high level as the Feb. 10 deadline nears.
