Houston Rockets: 3 players most likely to be traded before deadline

2. Eric Gordon

It’s not that the Rockets want to trade Eric Gordon — that’s far from the case. It’s that, if they plan on making any real upgrades to the roster, they’re going to have to deal one of their better players. Seeing as that won’t be Harden, Paul or Capela, Gordon is next in line.

Yes, losing him would be a shot to the gut for Houston. He provides invaluable scoring off the bench as one of the NBA’s top sixth men. However, unless they’re willing to part with Capela or Paul (highly unlikely), he’s about the best trade asset they own.

With that being said, it still seems a tad farfetched for them to part with Gordon unless a whale of a deal comes along. I won’t go as far as talking about any potential Anthony Davis trades, but acquiring a quality wing may cost them their talented sixth man. Considering how dire of a need the position is, the Rockets may just be convinced into pulling the trigger and trading Gordon.

Even at 31 years of age and in the middle of a down year, Gordon still offers plenty of value. He’s currently averaging 16.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game, although his 3-point shooting (31.7 percent) is nearing an all-time low. Still, he continues to be an effective scorer off the bench who can turn the tide of a game at a moment’s notice.

Do the Rockets want to see him wearing a different jersey? No. Could they be forced to part with him if it means improving their chances at winning a ring this season? Absolutely.