Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
Some Rockets fans will be disappointed by this return. They’ll feel that Gordon ought to fetch a first-round pick. Suffice it to say, we think they’re being a little unrealistic.
Eric Gordon is quite good. At the same time, his contract is pricey. Sure, it’s expiring, but any team acquiring him will have to send significant salary out. It’s hard to envision a deal where a team is able to do that without already giving up too much value to justify moving a first-round pick.
Moreover, the Rockets should look to the Jazz for precedent. They just moved Bojan Bogdanovic without receiving a first-round pick in exchange, and his trade value is likely higher than Gordon’s. Gordon may be good, but first-round picks are hard assets to come by.
With that in mind, this ought to do it for the Rockets. They’re landing a hard-working, defensive-minded guard in Reeves, and at 24, he’s much closer to this young team’s timeline. Moreover, a pair of second-round picks is better than nothing.
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Finally, perhaps Nunn could be an optimal backup point guard behind Kevin Porter Jr. If the Rockets decline this trade, it’ll be because they value Gordon’s veteran mentorship. Otherwise, it’s a good return in exchange for Gordon. Is he a good target for the Lakers?
