The Houston Rockets are well on their way to securing as many ping-pong balls as possible in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes. The Rockets currently own the worst record in the NBA at 11-37, a half-game worse than the Detroit Pistons, who are 12-37.
There have been no signs of improvement from the young Rockets this season, which is concerning for their rebuild. But, if they can land a superstar in the making such as Wembanyama, it could all be worth it.
With two weeks until the trade deadline, Houston is expected to be relatively quiet. They have only one veteran in the rotation in, Eric Gordon, who according to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, is likely to get dealt ahead of the deadline.
The Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Milwaukee Bucks have been mentioned as potential suitors. A few weeks ago, the New York Knicks had emerged as a potential landing spot as well for the veteran in his 15th season in the league.
Gordon would be a nice upgrade for any of those teams. He can fill several roles offensively, playing on the ball or off the ball. While being listed at only 6’3”, Gordon has the length and strength to hold up defensively against wing players, another positive working in his favor.
Alas, it is his offense that he is most known for. He can fill it up in a hurry as a microwave scorer that can create for himself and his teammates. His 3-point shooting has been solid throughout his career, connecting at a 36.9 percent clip in his career.
It would be hard to imagine the Lakers being able to pull off a deal for him as they have been hesitant to part with future first-round picks. Salary matching could also be very difficult unless Patrick Beverley and Lonnie Walker IV were made available.
Milwaukee would have some of the same monetary issues as the Lakers as they are lacking tradeable contacts to match salary. Phoenix has been on the search for help on the wing all season and Gordon would bolster what has been, at times, an underwhelming second unit.
If any of those teams were willing to pony up a first-round pick, Houston would likely accept the offer. That is reportedly what they are seeking in return for Gordon, which to this point, has been viewed as too steep of a price to pay.
