Target #2: Eric Gordon/ P.J. Tucker – Houston Rockets
Given the situation with the Houston Rockets with James Harden wanting out and the team seeming to be on the verge of being torn apart, it would be very beneficial for the Clippers to see what they would have to offer for a player like Eric Gordon or P.J. Tucker.
Both guys could join the Clippers and have a major impact, but again, Patrick Beverley would be the guy the Clippers would have to package together with some draft picks, but with no first-round draft picks, the Rockets may not even pick up the phone.
Over the years, Gordon has been one of James Harden’s “right-hand men” and has been an avid scorer for the Rockets. Since joining the team in 2016, Gordon has averaged 16.5 points and 2.9 assists while shooting 40.8% from the floor and 35.7% from deep. He is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career, given that he missed a significant portion of time dealing with injuries, and his value could be lower than originally anticipated.
Granted, the Clippers did just acquire Luke Kennard to fill the shooting guard position. Gordon could still come in and either start or come off the bench and have an impact. He is a gifted two-way player and would fit in perfectly in this organization as a third or fourth scoring option next to Kawhi and PG13.
Tucker would be an interesting trade target for Los Angeles and a guy who has received plenty of interest around the league. Even though he is now 35 years old, Tucker still has a high value due to his versatility on the court and corner-three shooting skills. The Clippers have been very defensive-oriented over the years and Tucker would fit in perfectly given his ability to guard numerous positions on the court.
Both players may have too high of an asking price, especially since the Clippers do not have a first-round pick to dangle around, but it is definitely worth inquiring about if you are Los Angeles. They need to continue to build depth and getting either of these two guys who can contribute on either end of the court would be extremely beneficial in the Clippers’ hunt for their first championship in franchise history.
