Report: Bucks have pitched 4 2nd-round picks to Rockets in various scenarios in hopes of acquiring Eric Gordon

The Milwaukee Bucks have pitched the idea of trading four second-round draft picks to the Houston Rockets in hopes of acquiring shooting guard Eric Gordon, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

A former Sixth Man of the Year, Gordon would be a huge addition to Milwaukee’s lineup as the team searches for more shooting ahead of this season’s trade deadline.

“Remember in February 2019 when Milwaukee sent four second-round picks to New Orleans as part of a three-team trade to acquire Nikola Mirotić?” Stein wrote. “The Bucks are said to be trying the same approach in their trade pursuit of Houston’s Eric Gordon, pitching four second-rounders to the Rockets in various scenarios. League sources say Houston continues to seek a first-round pick in any Gordon deal.”

The Rockets have been reported to be seeking a first-round selection for Gordon for quite some time, but it appears nobody has met that price yet. The NBA’s trade deadline is Feb. 9 this season, so it’s possible Houston will lower its asking price to move Gordon by then.

The Bucks have struggled a bit on offense this season, ranking 23rd in the league in offensive rating. A big reason for that has been injuries to star Khris Middleton, who has appeared in just seven games in the 2022-23 season.

Gordon could be an insurance option for Milwaukee if Middleton remains banged up. This season, the Rockets veteran is averaging 12.2 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. He’s started all 39 games that he’s appeared in for Houston.

The 34-year-old is shooting 34.8 percent from beyond the arc this season. That’s far from his best season as a shooter, but his career mark of 37.0 percent from deep may help convince a team that he’s worth a first-round pick.

If not, the Bucks appear willing to sacrifice second-round picks over several seasons in pursuit of another title.

The Bucks won the NBA Finals in the 2020-21 season, but they were knocked out by the Boston Celtics in the playoffs last season.

Houston currently has the worst record in the Western Conference and has lost 12 straight games. The Rockets are a young team, and they could benefit from moving Gordon to give some of their young players more minutes.

The Bucks are certainly a team to watch at the deadline as they look to give Giannis Antetokounmpo more pieces to contend this season.