How This Trade Impacts Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers could be in the market for another veteran to help the team this season. With Kawhi Leonard sidelined, they are unlikely to be contenders, but they can remain competitive in the Western Conference.
Acquiring Eric Gordon could be a worthwhile risk to take. He has struggled with injuries the last two seasons, appearing in only 63 games. But, he has still produced some solid numbers over that time.
If they can keep him on the court, they will be getting a player that can help replace some of the offensive production they will be missing from Leonard being injured. But, the price to acquire him is relatively steep.
It would be a fair question to ask whether or not Gordon would produce more at this stage than Luke Kennard would. Attaching Keon Johnson, the team’s first-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, would make it an even tougher pill to swallow. Onr second-round pick would also be heading to Houston.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Teams Who Could Show Interest In Eric Gordon Trade
Arguably the biggest positive that would come out of this deal for Los Angeles is financial. Kennard’s contract runs one more season than Gordon’s does, so they will receive some relief financially down the road from doing this trade.
Would that be enough motivation to pull the trigger on this deal? Money isn’t something Clippers ownership led by Steve Ballmer is lacking, so what other motivation could they have to make a deal such as this?
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Teams Who Could Show Interest In Eric Gordon Trade
If they feel they need a veteran to help the team, there are likely some cheaper options that will be available at some point during the season that wouldn’t require Johnson being involved.