Should Jazz Pursue Rockets Guard Eric Gordon?
May 29, 2019, 1:12 PM | Updated: 2:24 pm
Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets reacts to his three pointer during a 111-106 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Houston Rockets have made every player on their roster and future draft picks available after losing to the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the NBA Playoffs.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Rockets general manager Daryl Morey has decided to make some changes with the Rockets including the possibilities of trading Chris Paul or James Harden.
Sources: In calls to front offices, Houston GM Daryl Morey is showing an aggressive desire to improve roster with all players and picks available in talks. Hard to imagine James Harden scenario, but the rest under contract – perhaps even Chris Paul – could be moved in right deal.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 29, 2019
It will be difficult for the Rockets to trade James Harden and Chris Paul due to their heavy contracts. Harden is due $78 million over the next two seasons and Paul will make $80 million during that span with a player option for $44 million in 2020-21.
But the other players on the roster have significant value and could provide much needed help for the Utah Jazz.
Eric Gordon
Gordon finished his 11th NBA season and his third with the Rockets. He averaged 16.2 points per game, while shooting 40 percent from the field and 36 percent from downtown. During the first round series against the Jazz, Gordon was a big time contributor for the Rockets as they eliminated Utah in five games.
Defending at a high level was one the things that stood out from Gordon’s performance in the series, where he averaged 15.2 points per game and shot 43 percent from the field and 48 percent from deep.
Gordon’s shooting would make an immediate impact for Utah. He has one year left on his contract as he is set to make $14 million.
P.J. Tucker
The only other player on the Rockets roster that would be worth looking at for the Jazz is P.J. Tucker. Known for his defense, Tucker has been improving his offensive game, particularly his three-point shot in the corner.
Tucker averaged 7.3 points and 5.8 rebounds this past season and shot 37 percent from downtown. Against the Jazz in the playoffs, posting 12 points per game and shot 43 percent from the field and 43 percent from the perimeter.
He would come at a cheaper price and wouldn’t likely have to give up as much with two years and $16 million remaining on his contract.
