NBA Rumors: Rockets' Eric Gordon More Likely to Be Traded This Season Than in Past
Dec 19, 2022
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 17: Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 17, 2022 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)
Eric Gordon's time with the Houston Rockets may finally be nearing a close.
With the team in a complete rebuild after a 9-20 start and with young players to build around, Gordon is the "most-asked-about player on the Rockets roster from contenders," according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic.
Per that report: "The Rockets have turned down offers for Gordon at every possible juncture—the draft, offseason and trade deadline—but a resolution to this saga may finally be had this season. Team and league sources tell The Athletic the Rockets are more inclined to moving the 33-year-old than at any point over the past two seasons."
While Gordon has remained a starter for the Rockets, averaging 29.6 minutes per game across 25 starts, his effectiveness has waned. For the year, Gordon is posting 11.8 points, 2.4 assists and two rebounds per game while shooting 42.8 percent from the field and 35.3 percent from three.
His scoring output is currently the lowest average of his career. He's on a different career timeline than young players like Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Porter Jr. and Alperen Şengün, among others.
And Gordon reportedly wants a change in scenery. Per that report, the veteran guard "has made no secret of his desire to return to winning, contending ways and he's made his preference for a move to a contender known during the offseason, but he's since remained professional and patient."
"This might finally be the year for EG," an Eastern Conference told Iko. "His contract is essentially expiring with next season being non-guaranteed and he's on a big number. Houston can use that to take on some bad money and get an asset from some teams, but other teams still have real interest in him because he can help a contender. He's a shot creator who can play on and off the ball. Good shooter who can handle it and pass enough. Going into a winning situation should rejuvenate him some too. He's a pro and a team guy."
Gordon's set to make $20.9 million next season, though it's non-guaranteed.
The veteran guard thrived in the past as a role player during the James Harden era, so it's established that he can fit a contending team well. The question will be which team makes a move to land him. Certainly, it appears that his stay in Houston has reached its natural conclusion.
Eric Gordon Trade Rumors: Rockets in Early Talks with 6 Teams About Veteran SG
Dec 14, 2022
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 5: Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 5, 2022 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets are rebuilding around their young players and could look to move Eric Gordon ahead of the Feb. 9 trade deadline as a result.
Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reported the Rockets have discussed a potential Gordon trade "with roughly a half dozen teams." Feigen noted the guard "is expected to be among the top targets for contenders."
The reasons to trade Gordon seem clear on the surface.
Houston has the worst record in the Western Conference at 8-18 and is in the early stages of a rebuild centered around franchise cornerstones Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. Gordon, who turns 34 years old this month, will be well past his prime before the team is a realistic championship contender, so getting future assets back in a trade would be ideal.
However, Feigen noted there are some complications to such discussions.
Next season is non-guaranteed on Gordon's contract, and Houston is not in desperate need of creating cap space. What's more, the team would prefer first-round picks in future seasons since it already has two in the upcoming draft.
Throw in the desire to avoid bringing in players with longer contracts or veterans who would eat into the youngsters' playing time, and the Rockets have a smaller window of possible trade options with Gordon than it would first appear.
Yet he would be an asset to any contender.
The 2016-17 Sixth Man of the Year is averaging 12.1 points, 2.5 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game behind 34.7 percent shooting from three-point range. The percentage from the outside is somewhat concerning, but he is a career 37 percent shooter from deep and just connected on 41.2 percent of his triples last season.
It is not a stretch to expect his percentage to approach his career totals as the season progresses, and he is someone who can take advantage of openings created by more prominent teammates with that shooting stroke.
Gordon has played for the Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans and Rockets during his career but could be adding a fourth team to his resume depending on Houston's approach to the trade deadline.
DALLAS, TX - MAY 12: Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns. looks on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals on May 12, 2022 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks remain in discussion to acquire Jae Crowder from the Phoenix Suns, with Shams Charania of The Athletic reporting one potential three-way trade involving the Houston Rockets.
"Multiple league sources said the Suns recently engaged in three-team talks that would have sent Crowder to Milwaukee, four Bucks second-round draft picks along with players to Houston, and Eric Gordon and/or Kenyon Martin Jr. to Phoenix," Charania reported.
The Rockets have held up the trade because they are seeking at least a first-round pick for either Gordon or Martin. Gordon has also generated interest in other trades, while Houston doesn't want to deal Martin unless it gets a "very good first-rounder" in return.
Martin, a second-round pick in 2020, has emerged as a valuable part of the Rockets rotation while averaging 10.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. The 21-year-old is under contract through 2023-24 and could be a key part of the team's young core alongside Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. and others.
Gordon could be more expendable as a 33-year-old with a nonguaranteed contract worth $20.9 million next season. The veteran is averaging 12.2 points per game, which would be a career low, although his experience could make him a useful contributor in the right location.
The Suns could certainly use the scoring depth after dealing with significant injuries this season. The 16-11 squad has its sights on a title and would benefit from adding a quality outside scorer with 55 career playoff games on his resume.
Milwaukee, meanwhile, has been engaging in discussions about Crowder since the start of the regular season, per Charania.
Crowder has not appeared in a game for Phoenix this season after a mutual agreement to find a deal, but the 32-year-old's two-way ability could provide a boost to the Bucks' rotation. The forward averaged 9.4 points and 5.3 rebounds in 67 starts for the Suns last year.
There is still plenty of interest in Crowder around the league. Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus listed the Bucks, Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors as being among his suitors. The Dallas Mavericks have also discussed a potential deal, per Sean Deveney of Heavy.com.
Clippers' John Wall Says He Was 'Pissed as Hell' About Rockets' Decision to Sit Him
Oct 25, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 23: Los Angeles Clippers guard John Wall (11) looks on during a NBA game between the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Clippers on October 23, 2022 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Clippers guard John Wall said he was not happy the Houston Rockets decided to sit him for the entire 2021-22 season, per Sam Amick of The Athletic.
"Pissed as hell. Pissed as hell. I wanted to play basketball," Wall said of the decision. "In my last meeting I had there, they were like, 'Oh, you had a great year the year before. We can't wait to have you back next year. Build on this, and try to keep helping young guys.' So I'm thinking I'll play the same role I played the year before."
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported in September 2021 that Wall and the Rockets mutually decided that he wouldn't play games for the team that season and they would work together on a trade. He remained out the entire year before agreeing to a buyout in June.
He finally found a new home with the Clippers and is averaging 16.0 points through two games off the bench in 2022-23.
The Rockets had been in the midst of a rebuilding effort after dealing away James Harden, finishing with the worst record in the NBA in each of the last two years. The organization wanted to see what it had from young guards Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. rather than utilize the veteran Wall.
As Wall explained, they gave him an option to play about 10 minutes per game last season or sit out and work on a trade. He chose the latter, but no deal was reached.
Without basketball, the 32-year-old struggled mentally and even had suicidal thoughts, as he detailed in an essay for The Players' Tribune.
Wall now has a fresh start in his basketball career with the Clippers, joining friend Paul George.
The five-time All-Star is unlikely to reach his previous form after playing just 40 games in the last three seasons, but he can be an integral part of the rotation for a team with high expectations.
Jabari Smith Jr. 'Exactly As Advertised' in Rockets' Preseason Win Over Spurs
Oct 3, 2022
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 2: Jabari Smith Jr. #1 of the Houston Rockets dunks the ball during a preseason game against the San Antonio Spurs on October 2, 2022 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets opened their preseason on Sunday against the San Antonio Spurs, giving fans their first look at highly touted rookie Jabari Smith Jr. since summer league.
Smith delivered an impressive performance to lead Houston to a 134-96 victory. The 19-year-old finished with 21 points, eight rebounds and two assists, displaying the talent that was expected of him when the Rockets drafted him No. 3 overall.
The Auburn product was efficient in 24 minutes, shooting 8-of-15 from the field and 5-of-8 from three-point range. He also showed off the two-way effort that had scouts projecting him to be a difference-maker on both offense and defense.
Fans and pundits on social media couldn't help but to praise Smith for his performance on Sunday, with many believing he lived up to the hype.
Super impressive first quarter for the Rockets all around. Alperen Sengun looked like a legitimate offensive hub. Jabari Smith's 2-way impact has been exactly as advertised. I'm excited.
Jabari Smith looks much more comfortable on the floor than he did early in Vegas — finding his spots within the flow of the offense and remaining aggressive. Leads all scorers with 15 points.
Since tearing down their roster, the Rockets have been mired in a rebuild for the past two years. While Houston faces an uphill battle in the talented Western Conference, it's clear that Smith is the type of player who can help lead the team to success in the future.
After Sunday's performance, Rockets fans have every reason to be excited about Smith being one of the franchise cornerstones.
NBA Rumors: Derrick Favors Traded to Rockets in Multiplayer Deal with Thunder
Sep 30, 2022
Oklahoma City Thunder's Derrick Favors looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, in Philadelphia. The 76ers won 100-87. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets have agreed to an eight-player trade that notably includes 12-year NBA veteran forward Derrick Favors.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski provided the details.
ESPN Sources: The Oklahoma City Thunder are trading Derrick Favors, Ty Jerome, Moe Harkless, Theo Maledon and a 2025 second-round pick via Atlanta to the Houston Rockets for David Nwaba, Sterling Brown, Trey Burke and Marquese Chriss.
Wojnarowski also added some context regarding why the deal went down.
"Cap-centric deal for both teams: Thunder gain two trade exceptions and drop about $10M under luxury tax," Wojnarowski wrote.
"Rockets get a second-round pick for taking on $1M in salary. Favors will have value as a backup center, or elsewhere on a trade in marketplace too."
Favors, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft, averaged 5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds in 16.7 minutes over 39 games (18 starts) for the Thunder last year.
The Thunder and Rockets are both in similar spots. They were Western Conference contenders for much of the 2010s but have since gone into multiyear rebuilding modes. Both teams have players to build around and a boatload of future draft picks to work with as well.
On the Thunder side, the trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and Chet Holmgren (who is out this year with a Lisfranc injury) lead the future. For the Rockets, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Porter Jr. and others provide hope for the team.
Outside the core, there is some expected roster churn. Both teams had a lot of players suit up for them last year, with the Thunder totaling 26 and the Rockets totaling 19.
The eight-player trade ultimately is a cap-based move that probably doesn't foreshadow any seismic moves for the team's future. At the very least, though, some players featured in the trade could end up in the back end of rotations.
Of note, Favors could find a home in the Houston frontcourt off the bench. Or the Rockets could simply buy him out of his contract (one year, $10.2 million), allowing Favors to find a contending team at this stage of his career.
For now, the Thunder and Rockets are gearing up for the beginning of the season. OKC opens on the road Oct. 19 versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. Houston visits the Atlanta Hawks on the same day.
NBA Rumors: Rockets, Kevin Porter Jr. Both Want New Contract Before Start of Season
Aug 25, 2022
HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 18: Kevin Porter Jr. #3 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers on March 18, 2022 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets and Kevin Porter Jr. share a mutual interest in agreeing to a contract extension before the 2022-23 NBA season begins, according to The Athletic's Kelly Iko.
Porter is eligible to sign a new deal now. Otherwise, he can become a restricted free agent next offseason.
Iko wrote how the 22-year-old arrived in Houston with something to prove "on the court, where Porter was asked to switch positions to point guard, and also off the court, with personal growth and maturity."
The Cleveland Cavaliers traded Porter to the Rockets in January 2021. His exit came after a reported verbal confrontation with Cavs officials in the locker room.
A similar incident unfolded in Houston this past January, with ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Adrian Wojnarowski reporting he left Toyota Center midway through a 124-111 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
In terms of his performance, Porter has delivered for Houston. He's averaging 15.9 points and 6.2 assists while shooting 41.8 percent overall and 35.7 on three-pointers through 87 games.
The 6'4" guard's potential was clear for all to see when he dropped 50 points and 11 assists on the Milwaukee Bucks in April 2021.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2lpzrN6YIk
Still, Iko posited how Porter is approaching a pivotal season, "either validating why Houston was right to give him long-term money or why the Rockets made a mistake not to."
Based on his track record, there's an obvious level of risk in extending Porter now. But there's some risk in not extending him now, too. A long-term contract will only become more costly next summer if he continues to play well.
The backcourt partnership of Porter and Jalen Green went through some expected growing pains in 2021-22. Pairing two young guards together in starting roles isn't a recipe for winning basketball in the short term. The Rockets averaged the most turnovers (16.5) in the league and were 23rd in assists (23.6) while finishing 26th in offensive rating (108.1), per NBA.com.
But it's easy to see why Houston wants to move forward with Porter as part of its foundation.
Rockets Rumors: Boban Marjanovic Not Expected to Be Released or Traded Before Season
Aug 23, 2022
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MAY 18: Boban Marjanovic #51 of the Dallas Mavericks high fives an NBA referee before Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals on May 18, 2022 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets are reportedly expected to retain Boban Marjanovic for the 2022-23 season.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported the Rockets have no plans to trade the popular 7-footer despite having several big men on their roster. Houston acquired Marjanovic, Trey Burke, Marquese Chriss, Sterling Brown and Wendell Moore Jr. in a trade that sent Christian Wood to Dallas earlier this offseason.
The Rockets have 19 players on their roster a month ahead of training camp, meaning they will have to pare things down by at least four players before the start of the regular season.
Marjanovic seemed he'd be near the top of the list of players likeliest to head elsewhere. He's a 34-year-old role player who is on a rebuilding team full of young players desperate to prove themselves with playing time. Moving on from Marjanovic and giving his roster spot to a younger, developmental talent makes all the sense in the world.
That said, Marjanovic is one of the best locker-room guys in the NBA. He's been a beloved figure with fans and teammates alike at every NBA stop, with his infectious personality (and, let's face it, his 7'4" height) even getting him the occasional movie role.
If the Rockets ultimately choose to keep Marjanovic around, it'll likely be because they see his mentorship as being vital in taking the roster to the next step.
Rockets 2022-23 Schedule: Top Games, Championship Odds and Record Predictions
Aug 17, 2022
HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 28: Jalen Green #0 of the Houston Rockets and Kevin Porter Jr. #3 looks on during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on March 28, 2022 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets' youth movement will continue in 2022-23.
After a second straight season in the basement of the NBA, the Rockets added to their young nucleus by drafting Auburn standout Jabari Smith Jr. with the No. 3 overall pick.
Smith joins 2021 No. 2 pick Jalen Green and fourth-year point guard Kevin Porter Jr. as the faces of Houston's rebuild.
They will try to improve on last season's 20-62 finish, but the more experienced teams around the league are sure to make life difficult for the youngsters. But perhaps one of them will mature ahead of schedule and lead the Rockets to surprising success this season.
Here's a look at the schedule the young Houston squad will face.
As a rebuilding team, the Rockets won't have many favorable matchups on the schedule. But facing another rebuilding team in its own division might help their development as a unit.
The San Antonio Spurs are far removed from the powerhouse that dominated the Western Conference for nearly two decades. They went 34-48 last season and brought in three first-round selections in this year's draft, including No. 9 overall pick Jeremy Sochan out of Baylor. San Antonio also traded away All-Star guard Dejounte Murray to the Atlanta Hawks.
The Rockets lost three of four matchups against the Spurs last season, and the two teams are set to face each other four times again this year.
Perhaps Houston could use its games against San Antonio to assess how far along the team is in its development. Facing another young squad such as the Spurs should provide an even playing field for the Rockets.
Orlando Magic (First game: Nov. 7)
The Rockets are set to face the Orlando Magic only twice this year, but there's sure to be a ton of intrigue in those contests.
All eyes will be on the battle between Smith and Magic rookie forward Paolo Banchero, who Orlando drafted No. 1 overall.
Anyone who tuned in to watch the NBA draft will surely remember how disappointed Smith was about slipping to the third pick. He's likely to take his matchup against Banchero personally, which could make for some exciting basketball.
The fact that the two rookies play the same position only adds to the attraction, as they are likely to guard one another on the defensive end. Smith is known to be a top-notch defender while Banchero is regarded for his offensive prowess, and they both had strong showings at the 2022 Summer League in Las Vegas.
NBA fans are sure to enjoy the duel between the two forwards for years to come, starting with this season's set of games.
Season Forecast
The benefit of being a young team is that expectations are low. Houston is projected to be the underdog in the majority of its games, so it won't be a surprise to see the team back in the lottery next year.
Still, there are measures of success the Rockets should try to achieve this season. Green is coming off a selection to the All-Rookie first team after averaging 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 67 games in 2021-22.
The 20-year-old should aim to build on his finish to the campaign that saw him score over 30 points in six of his last seven appearances, including a 41-point outburst in the season finale against Atlanta.
Green also needs to improve on his 34.3 percent shooting from beyond the arc after chucking 6.8 three-point attempts per game last year.
Third-year head coach Stephen Silas should strive for defensive improvements after ranking 30th in the NBA last season with an opponents' average of 118.2 points per game. Having Smith on the wing should make a difference, but it will take a commitment from the rest of the roster as well.
As long as the young players buy into what Silas is teaching, the Rockets should surpass their win total from last year. But it likely won't be enough to get the team out of the league's basement.
Record Prediction: 28-54
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