It appears the Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers might make a trade before Thursday’s NBA Draft.
According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, the Rockets and Pacers have discussed a trade involving Eric Gordon and the No. 23 pick in this year’s draft in exchange for the No. 13 pick.
The original report from the Indianapolis Star included the following:
“If the player at No. 13 isn’t deemed immediately playable for the Pacers, it will make more sense to deal him for one who can contribute. The Pacers have talked with the Houston Rockets, a league source told IndyStar, about flipping their pick and getting such a player. They’re not looking for a one-and-done expiring contract. They want a player under contract for at least two years.”
The Rockets also own the Nos. 2 and 24 picks in this year’s draft. However, according to Stadium’s Shams Charania, Houston is “aggressively pursuing” the Detroit Pistons’ No. 1 overall pick. If the Rockets were to land the top pick, it’s unclear how it would influence a potential Gordon trade.
Gordon, 32, is owed $38 million over the next two seasons. He averaged 17.8 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game last season while shooting 43.3% from the field and 32.9% from deep. It was his best season since the 2017-18 campaign.
In addition to the Rockets, Gordon has also played for the Los Angeles Clippers and New Orleans Pelicans.
