Chicago Bulls

Chicago Bulls Receive: G Eric Gordon, HOU 2021 2nd Round Pick

Houston Rockets Receive: F Lauri Markkanen, C Cristiano Felicio, CHI 2023 1st Round Pick (Lottery-Protected)

With the Rockets on a downhill spiral heading for the worst record in the NBA, it would make a lot of sense for them to want to trade some of their veteran plays for future value and assets. That is exactly what the Bulls could offer the Rockets in exchange for Eric Gordon, who is 32-years old, but still playing some of the best basketball of his career. 

Last season, Eric Gordon and the Rockets agreed to a four-year, $75.6M contract extension that began this year, but with the sudden change in their organization’s plans moving forward, the veteran wing may not be in their future plans anymore. It would be a big contract for the Bulls to take on, but Eric Gordon can still contribute at a very high level.

Whether it is off-the-bench or in the starting rotation, the 32-year old wing can fit basically any role on the court and make an impact in any rotation. This season, he is currently averaging 17.8 points, 2.7 assists and is shooting 43.7% from the floor, 32.8% from three-point range for the Rockets. Over the course of his career, Eric Gordon is averaging 36.8% from three-point range.

Believe it or not, Chicago currently ranks 9th in three-point field goal percentage and with the addition of Gordon, they could continue to be one of the league’s top perimeter shooting teams. On the wing though, the Bulls do not have many reliable options they can turn to off-the-bench.

Garrett Temple has been a steady veteran presence for them this season and with Otto Porter Jr. being out, they do not really have anybody else they can turn to for production. Bringing in Eric Gordon to solidify their secondary-offense and provide another knock-down shooter next to Zach LaVine could be exactly what this team needs late in the season to make a possible push for one of the final few playoff spots.

RELATED: NBA Trade Rumors: This Pelicans-Bulls trade pairs Zach LaVine with Zion Williamson

The Bulls have proven they can win games with Thaddeus Young at power-forward instead of Lauri Markkanen and with him being in the last year of his rookie contract, it could make sense for Chicago to part ways with him now. He still holds a fair amount of value and for Hosuton, they should be thrilled to get a young talent like Markkanen to pair with Christian Wood in their frontcourt. 

It seems like both sides could make out pretty well from this trade and with Eric Gordon being under contract for years to come, he could be a great veteran talent for the Bulls and contribute to their playoff pushes for the next few years. He could emerge as an intriguing name for teams around the league to monitor in NBA trade rumors.