Golden State Warriors: 2020-21 Record – 39-33, Last Playoff Appearance: 2019
Target: G Eric Gordon (Houston Rockets)
They have missed the playoffs for back-to-back seasons now after making the NBA Finals for five consecutive years from 2015-2019, but the Golden State Warriors have a chance to get back to their championship ways during the 2021-22 season.
Klay Thompson will be back next year after not playing since the 2019 NBA Finals, James Wiseman will be healthy from his meniscus injury and the rest of this Warriors team will be fully rested up, which is why they could be one key role player and scorer away from being a true championship threat in the Western Conference.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is set to become a free agent this offseason, but the Warriors could potentially look to leverage him in a sign-and-trade for a player like Eric Gordon.
The Rockets are a franchise that is rebuilding and will be looking at trade opportunities involving Gordon in the offseason, which is why Golden State could be interested. The veteran guard will be a name to watch in NBA trade rumors this offseason.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: This Nuggets-Thunder trade is centered on Michael Porter Jr.
For years, Gordon fought against the Warriors in the postseason, but he is actually a perfect fit in the Warriors system. He is a “3-and-D” guy on the wing with plenty of playoff experience and he can still be a factor offensively.
Prior to suffering a season-ending groin injury, Eric Gordon played in 27 games during the 2020-21 season and averaged 17.8 points, 2.6 assists and shot 43.3% from the floor. While he is owed $58.7M through the 2023-24 season, he is exactly the kind of player the Warriors need to add to contend for another championship next season.
