Houston Rockets: Pass or pursue on these 3 NBA trade deadline rumors
By Duncan Smith
![Dec 17, 2020; Houston, TX, USA; Christian Wood #35 of the Houston Rockets puts up a shot against defender Rudy Gay #22 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter of a game at the Toyota Center on December 17, 2020 in Houston, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Carmen Mandato/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports Dec 17, 2020; Houston, TX, USA; Christian Wood #35 of the Houston Rockets puts up a shot against defender Rudy Gay #22 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter of a game at the Toyota Center on December 17, 2020 in Houston, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Carmen Mandato/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/01dd681b0a28a7408c7e369558fab0507cbf592b976ecd3ba01fbdf1867dcf89.jpg)
Should the Houston Rockets pursue Aaron Gordon at the NBA trade deadline?
The Houston Rockets might be deadline sellers, but Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon seems to have some appeal for them. And rightfully so, because they’re in a position where they can take some chance on a young player just to see if maybe they have what it takes to get him where he needs to be.
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Gordon has simply never been quite as good as you’d think he should be for the Orlando Magic. He is hyper-athletic and a plus defender, but he hasn’t put it all together in such a way that he can become a real difference-maker in the NBA.
Mid-way through his seventh season, however, it’s easy to forget that he’s just 25 and not yet even in his expected prime. The book isn’t written on him yet, and the best chapters are almost certainly ahead of him rather than behind.
The Rockets may want to bet that those chapters are with them. Gordon and Wood could combine for one of the most athletic and explosive young frontcourts in the NBA, and the price point to get him may not be all that painful.
Orlando has tried to move him before to no avail, so if they are motivated sellers maybe the Rockets can get him on the cheap.