The Philadephia 76ers and the Houston Rockets are reportedly in “active” conversations about sending former Sixth Man of the Year, Eric Gordon, to the city of Brotherly Love. According to Michael K-B of CBS Sports, defensive ace Matisse Thybulle has been mentioned in these discussions as the centerpiece coming back to Houston in any trade scenario. It was also reported that a three-team trade might be needed to facilitate a deal properly.
Since former Rockets GM Daryl Morey left Houston to have another fresh start in Philadephia, he has constantly been retooling the Sixers’ roster for the past two seasons in hopes to build a contender around NBA MVP candidate Joel Embiid. Daryl’s love for James Harden was widely known around the league as he soon traded for “his guy” by giving up a disgruntled Ben Simmons and Seth Curry. After experiencing the honeymoon stage with the newly paired duo of Embiid and Harden, the Sixers’ organization and the fans quickly came back to reality as they lost in the second round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs to the Miami Heat. The offseason quickly began and Daryl Morey knew he was not going to stay quiet in his offseason moves.
Daryl Morey set out to become a better team throughout this offseason and it certainly seems like they have. Some of his well-known moves throughout the past month were trading for DeAnthony Melton, signing P.J Tucker, signing Danuel House, and more. It certainly seems like Daryl is trying to create his version of those 2018-2019 Rockets teams in Philadephia. You can call them the Philadephia Rockets.
The one missing piece from that 2018-2019 Rockets team is none other than Eric Gordon. The Rockets fully embracing a rebuild since the 2020-2021 season has left Eric Gordon in an awkward position as it seemed like he was the final domino to fall from the Harden era. Although Eric has fully embraced the rebuild and helped the young guys of the Houston locker room throughout the struggles, it seems like his time in Houston is soon coming to a close. It’s time to send Eric Gordon to a contender to further prove why he is one of the more underrated guards in the league.
Why would the Sixers trade for Eric Gordon?
- It gives them bench scoring that they desperately missed last season
- A quality defender to throw at many guards around the league
- Fairly priced contract for his production on the court
- Excellent volume three-point shooter (41.2 3PT%)
- Good chemistry with James Harden and P.J Tucker
Why would the Rockets trade away Eric Gordon?
- It opens up minutes for other guards on the roster (Daishen Nix, TyTy Washington)
- It allows the Rockets to gain assets for a player that does not fit their rebuild
- Gives more shots to Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr, and other players on the team
- Be able to treat their players right by sending them to contenders
It seems like it’s time for Eric Gordon to enter a new stage in his NBA career. Although the Houston Rockets might lose a calming veteran presence in the locker room, this trade will benefit the team in the long run. As for the 76ers, this highly expected trade will help the franchise in the pursuit of another championship since the 1980s. Whether that is with the Philadephia 76ers or any other team, the time has almost come for the next chapter in Eric Gordon’s life. Time will only tell…
