Houston Rockets Receive: G Eric Bledsoe, LAC 2023 2nd Round Pick, LAC 2026 2nd Round Pick
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G/F Eric Gordon
In an effort to add some more talent to their roster this past offseason, the LA Clippers took a chance by going out and getting veteran guard Eric Bledsoe from the Memphis Grizzlies. Los Angeles gave up Patrick Beverley, Daniel Oturu and Rajon Rondo to acquire Bledsoe, and while the veteran guard started out the season playing well, he has struggled as of late.
Through his first 14 games with the Clippers, Eric Bledsoe was averaging 11.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and shooting 39.9% from the floor in about 28.6 minutes per game. Since the start of December though, Bledsoe is only averaging 6.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists and is shooting 37.8% from the floor in about 19.9 minutes per game.
His overall production is down and the Clippers are starting to favor others in the rotation over him, which is why moving Bledsoe at the trade deadline could be something the Clippers are interested in, especially if they can add a higher-level offensive talent like Eric Gordon in exchange for him.
Eric Gordon would not only provide Los Angeles with immediate scoring off the bench, but he is also someone that can play alongside Reggie Jackson and Paul George in the starting rotation without disrupting their overall production.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Eric Gordon Proving He Still Has Value In Trade Market
One of the best attributes about Eric Gordon is that he is extremely unselfish with the ball in his hands and has proven that he can be effective next to star players.
He was successful next to Harden all of those years in Houston and there is no reason why he cannot continue to do so next to George and Leonard when he returns from his knee injury.
Taking on his contract would be difficult for the LA Clippers to do, but he would only really be under contract through next season because his contract for 2023-24 of $20.9M is non-guaranteed. This really would not be too much of a liability for the Clippers to take on given Gordon’s production and for Houston, they would be getting out of his contract.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Eric Gordon Proving He Still Has Value In Trade Market
Eric Bledsoe is owed equal to that of Eric Gordon this season, not making much of a financial difference for the Houston Rockets, but Bledsoe’s contract for next season is partially guaranteed for $3.9M, so the Rockets could waive him in the offseason with no real problems other than owing him $3.9M next season.
Houston does not necessarily want to trade Eric Gordon right now, but they could be gaining two second-round picks and cap space from this deal, which could be worthwhile in their rebuilding process.
