Eric Gordon’s frustrations with rebuilding Houston Rockets pile up amid trade rumors
Eric Gordon vented his frustrations at the Houston Rockets' lack of growth over the last two years. The Rockets have committed to a rebuild and moved all their veteran players except Gordon. He is among the most coveted trade targets ahead of the deadline.
Gordon has been a professional during his time in Houston with their young players. However, he seems to have run out of patience. His most recent interview suggests that. Here's what Gordon replied when a reporter asked if the Rockets have improved at all since last year (via Jackson Gatlin):
“There’s no improvement.”
Eric Gordon asked about #Rockets improvement from when the season started:
"There's no improvement." https://t.co/WWB8Gf3wdI
The Houston Rockets are 10-26 for the year. Gordon has been a starter and missed only six games. He is averaging 11.2 points on 40/34/81 splits. Gordon's frustrations are valid, considering he has the opportunity to play for a top contender and compete for a championship instead of the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes.
At 34, Gordon doesn't have many years left at the top level. It would have been an ideal time for him to secure a move.
Houston Rockets in talks with 6 contenders regarding Eric Gordon trade
The Houston Rockets have been patient with trading Eric Gordon. They don't have any other veteran players to nurture the young team led by Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. Meanwhile, the waiting period has also been prolonged as Houston want to maximize the returns in trade scenarios.
As per Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, the Rockets have been in contact with six contending teams regarding a trade for Gordon. The former Sixth Man of the Year has managed to stay consistent with his numbers on a lottery team. Therefore, his impact will likely be bigger if he plays alongside the league's superstars on contending teams.
Gordon's current contract ends next season. It's a non-guaranteed deal, and the Rockets will likely change that if they don't trade him by the deadline next month. They have the salary flexibility to do that. The Rockets will want multiple first-round picks in return and are unlikely to offload Gordon until they secure the asking prize.
Eric Gordon: “We don’t have the type of team where we can ISO or do this and or do that, we gotta do what’s best for one another.” https://t.co/Tgn1jtwatK
However, after the player's explosive post-game press conference, it will be interesting to see how the Rockets deal with the Eric Gordon situation.