Eric Gordon was acquired by the New Orleans Hornets through a trade sending Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Clippers. Â Gordon was only able to play nine games due to knee and back injuries but the Hornets are very adamant about keeping the guard on the roster. Â Read more after the jump.
With Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza’s expensive contracts finally off their financial books after Wednesday’s trade with the Washington Wizards, the Hornets now have enough salary cap space to be a major player when free agency begins next month.
Whether they make a push to sign unrestricted free-agent point guard Deron Williams of the Nets or restricted free-agent center JaVale McGee of the Nuggets is uncertain. But all indications point toward the Hornets making a concerted effort to re-sign their restricted free agent, shooting guard Eric Gordon.
New Orleans appears ready to match any offer Gordon might get on the open market, even if means extending him a maximum-money contract of five years worth $80 million, league sources said.
“We want to bring Eric back,†Hornets General Manager Dell Demps said. “He’s committed. He wants to be a big-time player.
“It’s important to us to bring in good people, people who can fit in the locker room and people you want to root and cheer for. People that want to win. We’re trying to build for the long haul.â€
The Hornets team is looking up with the No. 1 pick of the draft to acquire Anthony Davis along with the No. 10 pick and plenty of cap space. Â Eric Gordon isn’t worth a max contract but I’m sure they won’t have to go that route to keep him.
