Former Sixers Trade Target Eric Gordon Becomes Available

Eric Gordon's run with the Clippers has been cut short.

Just last summer, the Philadelphia 76ers were rumored to be interested in former Houston Rockets veteran Eric Gordon. As the Rockets continued their rebuild, the Sixers were looking to add valuable veterans in hopes of building a championship-caliber roster for the 2022-2023 season.

Ahead of the 2022 NBA Draft, the Sixers had one selection in the first round. Leading up to the event, there were rumors about negotiations between the Sixers, and the Rockets centered around Gordon. That remained the case as the first round continued.

When the Sixers went on the clock, they ended up trading away their selection, but it wasn’t a deal with the Rockets. Instead, the Sixers made a swap with the Memphis Grizzlies, moving the pick and the veteran sharpshooter Danny Green in exchange for De’Anthony Melton.

Once the Sixers landed Melton, the Gordon-to-Philly trade rumors simmered down. That wouldn’t be the last time Gordon would find himself involved in trade rumors. Throughout the 2022-2023 season, the veteran was viewed as a potential trade candidate for other contenders across the league as the Rockets struggled in the Western Conference standings.

Gordon remained on the Rockets through early February but eventually received a change of scenery. In a three-team deal between the Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Memphis Grizzlies, Gordon was sent packing to Los Angeles, picking up where it all started.

As a former first-round selection, Gordon started his career with the Clippers in 2008. He spent three seasons in LA before having stints in New Orleans and Houston. The veteran hoped his second stint with the Clippers would allow him to find championship success, but the Clippers dropped out of the playoffs early this past year.

Now, Gordon’s future is unclear as the Clippers opted not to guarantee the guard’s $21 million contract. Therefore, he’ll become a free agent and is able to negotiate a deal on the open market.

The Gordon-Sixers interest cooled down last summer after Philadelphia found a way to trade for a younger two-way guard in De’Anthony Melton, but an inquiry wouldn’t come as a shock.

After all, the Sixers have shown plenty of interest in former Rockets players that competed alongside James Harden during his nine-year run in Houston. Last season, Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey picked up several former Rockets by signing PJ Tucker, Danuel House Jr., and Montrezl Harrell.

This summer, all eyes remain on Harden, who could become an unrestricted free agent by declining his player option for the 2023-2024 season. While Harden’s chances of returning to the 76ers have increased by the day, the Sixers can’t guarantee he’ll be back quite yet. Therefore, retaining the ten-time All-Star guard remains the top priority of the offseason. If and when the Sixers lock up Harden once again, then they’ll begin focusing on reserve prospects.

As for Gordon, he’ll likely have a handful of contending teams interested in his services. Last season, Gordon appeared in 47 games for the Rockets, averaging 13 points and three assists while shooting 44 percent from the field and 35 percent from three. After a trade to Los Angeles, he appeared in 22 games for the Clippers, putting up 11 points per game while knocking down 46 percent of his field goals, and hitting on 42 percent of his threes.