In a new mock trade from NBA Analysis Network, writer Kenneth Teape has the Milwaukee Bucks acquiring Eric Gordon from the Houston Rockets. This move would make sense for a number of reasons.
One, Milwaukee has previously shown interest in Gordon, being listed as one of the frontrunners to land the veteran guard after Houston had, reportedly, begun aggressively shopping him in late July. Two, the Bucks might be motivated to move Grayson Allen following a lack-luster performance in the second round of the playoffs. Three, Milwaukee could use Gordon’s experience, shooting and leadership as much as Gordon could use a real shot at competing for a title this late in his career.
What Milwaukee Would Gain In A Player Like Eric Gordon
Shooting
Gordon is coming off the most efficient season of his career. The 33-year-old averaged a solid 13.4 points per game while shooting a career-high 47.5% from the field and 41.2% from deep: good for an excellent true shooting percentage of 61.2. It goes without saying that such marksmanship would be more than welcome beside an elite rim-runner and playmaker like Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, it’s equally important to note Gordon’s impact in the locker room.
Leadership
Many were surprised to see Gordon remain in Houston past the trade deadline and, especially, the buyout market. Despite being highly coveted around the league, Houston hung on, reportedly valuing his veteran-leadership over first-round picks. The Bucks might not be as young or “in need of a leader” as Houston, but they should definitely value Gordon’s consistency as a shooter, defender and locker-room-presence as much as if not more than the rebuilding Rockets.
Why Milwaukee Should Probably Pass On Eric Gordon
Though there’s a lot to like about Gordon and his game, he might be too risky an acquisition for the Bucks.
Injuries
To reiterate, Gordon is 33-years-old and has played a measly 40 games per season over the last three years. Additionally, he’s only played at or around 70 games (68+ games) in four of his fourteen seasons. There’s a lot to like about Gordon and his game, but even if he’s healthy for the playoffs, he probably won’t help Milwaukee get there. To his credit, he did play 57 games last season, but it still seems counterintuitive to trade a number of players who can play for one player who likely can’t, especially because…
Overpaying
Gordon makes roughly $20M next season. It would make the most sense for Milwaukee to swap Grayson Allen for the veteran guard, but they’d still have to throw in Brook Lopez to make the money right. Teape suggests the Bucks send Brook Lopez and George Hill as well as draft picks for Gordon, which wouldn’t make sense. Without Lopez, Milwaukee would have to start either Bobby Portis or Serge Ibaka at the five, who are both marginally worse defenders than Lopez at this point. Without Lopez, Philly’s Joel Embiid dropped 42 points on Portis in a win over the Bucks. With Lopez back in the lineup it was a different story.
Final Verdict
Though his hypothetical fit with Milwaukee is enticing, the cost of adding Gordon is far too high. He’s a playoff-hardened veteran who can consistently space the floor and defend, but his age and injury history should be enough to dissuade the Bucks from trading numerous assets to acquire him.
