Photo Credit: Mark Allison, Flickr.com
Eric Gordon is a restricted free agent and as is often the case, he wishes he were unrestricted. As reported by Chris Broussard of ESPN, the Phoenix Suns extended a four-year deal worth $58 million that the New Orleans Hornets must match within three days.
The most interesting part of the story is what Gordon had to say about the offer.
"“I strongly feel they are the right franchise for me. Phoenix is just where my heart is now.”"
This has to be a punch to the stomach of the fans in New Orleans. True, Gordon was never their guy and has only played a handful of games for them. However, they were looking to the future with a combination of Anthony Davis and Gordon to lead them for the next decade.
Now New Orleans is in a really tough spot. They can’t just let Gordon walk away at this point but he’s made it clear he wants to be in Phoenix. They must match the offer and could try to work out a deal with the Suns.
Either way it’s going to be a dicey situation for the Hornets. If they match and don’t trade Gordon, will he be unhappy and play poorly?