Phoenix Suns Receive: G Eric Gordon
Houston Rockets Receive: C/F Jalen Smith, F Dario Saric, C JaVale McGee, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2022 Second Round, 2023 Second Round Pick
The Houston Rockets are confident they can get real value for Eric Gordon at the NBA trade deadline, and rightfully so. He is having a strong 2021-22 NBA campaign and has done wonders to restore his value.
There isn’t a lot of options at the Phoenix Suns’ disposal when it comes to pulling off a major deal at the NBA trade deadline. While they have only one future first-round pick outstanding that was sent to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Chris Paul, the pick is not guaranteed to convey until 2025. Phoenix can offer a pick as early as 2024 using ‘next allowable’ language, per CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn.
The main young player the Suns can offer is Jalen Smith, but his trade value has taken a hit after Phoenix opted to decline his final-year team-option. Now, there’s a limit on what the Rockets would be able to offer Smith if they were interested in re-signing him in free agency.
Dario Saric is out for all of this season due to a torn Achilles and would be included as salary filler. He is still signed through the 2022-23 season, so the Rockets would need to be content with holding that extra year of salary. Perhaps a buyout could be worked out at some point.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Phoenix Suns Eyeing Trade For Eric Gordon At Deadline
JaVale McGee has been helpful for the Suns but Bismack Biyombo’s strong impact perhaps make him more expendable to be included in a trade for salary purposes. On an expiring deal, McGee could perhaps be re-routed to a new destination.
Does this trade make sense for both sides? Let’s see how this deal would impact each team starting with the perspective of the Phoenix Suns.
