Assessing Clutch Points’ proposed trade targets for Milwaukee Bucks
By Dalton Sell
Clutch Points’ second trade target for the Milwaukee Bucks: Eric Gordon
Eric Gordon has seemingly been on the trade market every single season, but the Rockets cannot manage to move him. With Houston embracing a full-on rebuild after trading away key pieces like James Harden, Covington, and Tucker, the 32-year-old veteran does not fit their current timeline. The Rockets will surely look to move him again before the deadline in February, and the Bucks are undeniably an interesting name as a potential suitor.
The biggest reason the Bucks could use someone like Gordon would be to improve their scoring in the second unit. Milwaukee currently ranks 27th in the NBA in bench points per game, which could be problematic down the line. While he might not be the player that he once was, Gordon could be the second unit spark that this team needs offensively. He is averaging 14.1 points per game this season while shooting an eye-catching 43.4 percent from three on 5.3 attempts per contest. That scoring and shooting would help patch up what the Bucks are lacking off the bench offensively.
While the former Sixth Man of the Year is known for his offense, he is also a reputable defender. His ability to defend multiple positions would be huge for the Bucks for reasons similar to why Covington would be a great fit. Gordon does not boast the same stature or versatility that his former Rockets teammate does, but he would still help the cause tremendously. With the Bucks missing two key defenders off the bench in Semi Ojeleye and Donte DiVincenzo, someone like Gordon would make sense to bring in.
While Gordon would be a solid fit for the Bucks, the problem comes with his salary, as he will make $18.2 million this season and then $19.6 million next year. That makes piecing together a package without any of Milwaukee’s key core pieces quite challenging. There should also be some concerns with Gordon’s health as he has played in just 63 games over the two seasons before this one. The Bucks are banged up as is, and bringing in someone like Gordon could be a risk. Ultimately, Gordon likely makes too much for the Bucks to offer a reasonable trade package.