Eric Gordon wants to be a Sun, but that’s not all that matters. We take a look at what the Suns can offer in exchange for the presumed centerpiece of the trade that sent Chris Paul packing.
“After visiting the Suns, the impression the organization made on me was incredible,” Gordon told ESPN.com. “Mr. (Robert) Sarver, Lon Babby, Lance Blanks, the Front Office Staff and Coach (Alvin) Gentry run a first-class organization, and I strongly feel they are the right franchise for me. Phoenix is just where my heart is now.”
We know that Eric Gordon has stated his intentions to sign a four-year deal with the Suns on July 11th that will pay him roughly 58 million dollars. We also know that the Hornets have publicly stated that they will match any offer for the restricted free agent and plan to meet with Gordon before deciding on the course of action. Reports from most major media outlets are saying that this position is being maintained.
We have evidence that the Hornets want to bring Gordon back, but not at 14.5 million dollars per year. It’s simply too steep of a price to pay for a shooting guard who has struggled to remain on the floor throughout his NBA career.
The difference between what they were willing to pay (48-50 million dollars or so) might not seem like much since the numbers are so staggering in and of themselves, but a 2.5 million dollar difference per year is important. That’s not just chump change — it can pay a Jason Smith, literally. It can snag you a second round pick every year to stash in the D-League or Europe.
Dell isn’t the only one who doesn’t think Gordon is worth the max. Just about every NBA analyst and writer who I trust has told me that a “fair contract” would be worth 10-12 million a year, all pointing to the reality that he’s been unable to stay on the court consistently. Of course he’s worth a max contract if he’s healthy, but he hasn’t been.
The Suns appear willing to gamble that he can stay healthy; the Hornets do not.
Fortunately, it’s likely a deal is in the works to send a number of assets to the Hornets in a sign-and-trade for the Eric “The Invisible Man” Gordon.
Why?
First off, Gordon won’t sign the deal until July 11th, leaving ample time for the Hornets to work out such a deal before their offer sheet is actually signed. If we can’t get a deal done, and he does physically sign the offer sheet, we have 3 days to match. If we do, we have him under contract for 4 years 58 million dollars, and he can never be traded by us to Phoenix on that deal. If we do not match, his 9.6 million dollar cap hold comes off of salary figure, and Dell goes from there.
If the Hornets simply say they won’t trade him and plan to match the deal, he could sign the qualifying offer currently on the table instead of the offer sheet from Phoenix, forcing his way out at risk. For a guy plagued by injuries and without much to gain financially, it seems unlikely that he will do this.
If he refuses to sign anything, he will be a restricted free agent next offseason as long as the Hornets offer him a qualifying offer then, so there is nothing to be gained here.
The best situation for all parties is that the Hornets will work out a sign-and-trade, most likely to Phoenix. That said, don’t entirely rule out the possibility that other teams will take a run at him.
Given his statement, it seems unlikely that he’ll remain a Hornet, but it’s not impossible. The Hornets would have to really commit to him when they meet, and considering that they’ve been unwilling to do so for so long, it’s hard to see them doing so now.
Keep in mind that Dealer Dell could certainly include a third team if the Suns don’t have the pieces he desires. Here is what Phoenix has to offer:
- Kendall Marshall— The Suns selected the best collegiate passer in the draft. He’s arguably their best asset.
- Future draft picks— The Suns have their first and second round picks available. They haven’t traded away or received any in trade.
- The rights to Robin Lopez— He’s a restricted free agent and the Suns have extended a qualifying offer to him. The Hornets do obviously need a center, but they could also send him to a third team desiring his services.
- The ability to take on bad contracts— The Suns have 23.7 million dollars in guaranteed payroll next year. They have 7 million dollars on the table to Lopez and Aaron Brooks in the form of qualifying offers. They can afford to take on a bad contract from a third team who sends some talent the Hornets way.
- Markieff Morris– The 13th overall pick in the 2011 draft showed that he could handle himself on the court last season, playing just under 20 minutes a game. It’s unclear (read: improbable) that he’s starter level talent.
- Marcin Gortat— While he would certainly fill the need at center, it’s unclear if the Hornets would want to take on his two-year, 15-millon dollar deal. Someone else might.
- Jared Dudley— Dudley is solid and would presumably be an upgrade at the three, but the 4 years and 17 million dollars is a bit long for my taste.
- Josh Childress— If Josh was the same player he was before he went to Europe he’d be worth something, even at three years and 21 million dollars. He’s not. Maybe someone else thinks he is, but I sort of doubt it.
The ball is in the Hornets’ court, and Dealer Dell might have his work cut out for him if Gordon really is as adamant as he seems about going to Phoenix. They don’t have a ton of assets, and the Hornets don’t have any bad contacts to unload.
It seems the best real chance of getting good value for Gordon, assuming we decide
a) not to retain his services.
b) that Phoenix is the only place he’ll sign, and
c) will be to get a third team involved who has young assets, bad contracts, and a desire to unload the salaries of both
Best of luck, Dell.
Should we lose Gordon, however, it’s not all doom and gloom. With a high-priced, long-term deal on the books for a player with injury concerns, we are in for years of debate like we’ve been experiencing for the past few days and past few months. By continuing to work the value of the assets of the Chris Paul trade effectively, we may see more long-term benefit by acquiring pieces that fit around our outstanding draft class, rather than good pieces that the Clippers happened to have at the time. Also, this team will be squarely Anthony Davis’ from day one.
It is fitting for the potential Hall of Famer to never walk in the shadow of the shadow of Chris Paul.
This is a Joe and Jason tag team article.
159 responses to “So Eric Gordon Wants to be a Phoenix Sun…”
Let’s assume that Dealer Dell goes to Phoenix with a deal… would you want to build around three rookies in Marshall-Rivers-Davis? I certainly don’t mind it and think it would be a good nucleus to start with.
Also, knowing that he is committed to Phoenix… does that still leave the possibility open for Dealer Dell to swing him elsewhere? Houston? Indiana?
It’s best to get a third team in this trade
Let’s send him to the bobcats, for punishment if nothing else…
And as for Gortat – I think at 2-years, 15 million dollars left for a center that averaged 15.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and had a PER of 21.21 isn’t all that bad… I just don’t know if they part with him for Gordon.
Tough titties for them. Unfortunately for them, we have all the cards.
The Hornets are getting screwed by the pooch once again.Anyone think Benson have regreats buying the team now since Gordon heart is in Phoenix time for a jersey burning.
Oh dont get your knickers in a knot, this may be a best case scenario for everyone. Gordon can get his money (and lead role), Phoenix can maximise his talents with that miracle medical staff, and we no longer have to put the fate of our dynasty in the hands of such a player who hasn’t proved he can be reliable from a health stand point.
If we can get Kendall Marshall, a Suns future pick (good chance to be a lottery one) One of their C’s to swing to a possible third team, and Jared Dudley to solidify the SF spot for a few years then you can come out of this situation with much needed trade assets, even more future cap space, and this year you throw absolutely everything at getting Mcgee to create the scariest defensive frontcourt the NBA has seen since the prime Bynum and Gasol combo.
Id gladly take the prospect of that being the position of our franchise for this new era rather than one that depends on a BIG WHAT IF Eric Gordon.
Yea Down you’re right, that “miracle medical staff” is what kept Grant Hill on the court for so long and I’m sure that’s one of the things Gordon was looking at. Benson will make sure we get the same rep in the coming years though so it’s Gordon’s loss.
Marshall, One of the centers, Dudley and the Suns’ first round pick for Gordon? He is not CP, so you must be sipping bayou water or something. Marshall is going no where, Dudley is going no where, and their no. 1 pick is going no where. You want Robin Lopez at center? You can have him, but that’s about all you would ever get for a player that played all of 9 games last year and doesn’t even want to play in the swamp!
@Steper…..yea he’s not CP3 but Suns offered him max. Do like your name says and Step fool!
Don’t forget to mention the top 5 pick we’ll have next year with that team while all our youngsters are learning how to play.
Every source is saying that we will match the offer. Does that mean that he is signing it? I think that trading him to Phoenix is the worst-case scenario. They have no assessts that we want. I don’t want another rookie (Kendall Marshall). Gortat and Lopez are not centers for the future. They never have good draft picks. I would try desperately to get a third and/or fourth team involved. Also, I think this might not be real. He visited Houston, Portland, and Indiana; but no one offered him a max deal. Maybe he said some of those things because that’s what he needed to say to get his max contract. Also, he did say “now.”. I think that there is a good chance we keep him.
Gordon isn’t very smart to think he will have a better opportunity to win in Phoenix rather than here. Clearly we have pieces in place to become a more established team way sooner than the Suns, but hey I guess money talks. Oh yea, we can pay him just as much so I guess the issue is he just don’t want to be in N.O. That’s fine, adios! Let’s get what we can, preferably Gortat, Marshall, and an unprotected 1st (which would surely be an high lottery pick because Gordon will only play 11 games), for the injury-prone trader and let’s move on. Gordon isn’t Jordan so trading him wouldn’t be the end of the world by any means. Anyways, we need players that WANT to play in New Orleans.
It must be the smell of the swamp that pollutes all you NOLA fans. To think that Phoenix would trade Marshall, Gortat, AND an unprotected 1st for a guy who played all of 9 games last year and most experts say isn’t even worth a max deal is asinine. Go ahead and match the offer and keep him for all us Suns fans think. This was just the Suns owner’s way of showing the fans he’s not cheap. The day after Benson re-ups Gordon the Suns will sign Beasley and Mayo for half the price of Gordon. Then you know who will be in the lottery next year, Bayou Bees!
Interesting theory.
Show you’re not cheap by not spending money, and show you are smart by hitting on ugly chicks (or guys).
Go eat a Big Unit at Alice Cooperstown (if you can) and cheer up.
That just doesn’t make sense. So you are criticizing us because you think we would be getting too much. You act like we think he is a superstar and you think yhat he doesn’t deserve a max contract, but yall just offered him one. They are basically saying that he is the “cornerstone” (watch the video) of the franchise. Are you telling me that you wouldn’t give up Gortat and a first-round pick for a cornerstone?
Suns fan-
I feel bad for you that your front office has NO PLAN for the future. You are going to bash the hornets when your team throws huge contracts at josh childress? The fact that the suns are getting nothing for nash and got nothing for amare shows how ridiculous they are. Any talent the suns get they let go for nothing… And on top of that, they are going to throw 10million per yr to a prospect they traded yesterday?? I’d love to see their master plan of how the goran dragic deal was supposed to pan out.
Your point is that management is showing they aren’t cheap by offering a max contract to a guy that isn’t worth it YET YOU SUPPORT THEM!!! And take pride in it. Your bashing of the hornets is laughable.
No matter how the gordon saga pans out, the hornets will win with either great pieces (Dudley and Gortat) to go w/ anthony davis and austin rivers or we keep eric gordon. No matter how the saga plays out for the suns, they will overspend once again and be left with a subpar team, constantly getting the 13th pick in the draft.
Enjoy your 120degree weather sir and dont talk trash when your pride and joy is a side-show circus.
Marshall is not going anywhere. Stop including him in trades, the suns are in love with him. Gortat on the other hand is easy to part with, and any first round pick we trade will be lottery protected. I heard Lopez, dudely, and a first round draft pick that’s lottery protected first year, top 5 second year and unprotected 3rd year Im hoping for a deal like that. And everyone saying NO has all the cards not true.. Gordon wants to play for us, they can’t afford him at 14.5 a year the suns will easily spin that against them
Not your choice.
Bring facts or analysis. Stomping your foot gets you nowhere here.
I truly believe that Gordon lied to the Suns in order to get a max offer. Think about it, it has already been reported that we would match any deal so Gordon’s main goal had to be to get a max offer no matter what. Do you seriously think he looks at the Suns and sees them as having a brighter future than us? Does anybody in their right mind? Even if he is truthful about what he says I would still match and keep Gordon because 1) It’s not like he has a personal vendetta and can’t be changed the dude just wants to be paid and 2) PHX can’t really offer us anything close to what the reported Houston offer was. I like Marshall, if we had Gordon to pair him with, not Austin Rivers. Can you imagine how bad our backcourt would be defensively? No thank you. I say we match and keep Gordon and reverse whatever brain washing the Suns must have done to him. By the trade deadline next year if he’s a problem we could probably still go to Houston and get a similar deal.
Agreed.
+1
Can these other teams actually offer a max deal given their cap situations? Remember, factor in cap holds, deals that have been offered, etc.
Let’s not get too deep intot the cloak and dagger stuff, but certainly the dude is trying to force his value up high.
If he wants to play in New Orleans for the max as a restricted free agent, it’s his best move to sign an offer sheet for a team that can sign him to the max.
If he wants to play in Phoenix for the max as a restricted free agent, it’s his best move to not sign their offer sheet (in general).
Honestly there are a lot of reasons he might want to play in Phoenix instead of NOLA, and Hornets fans need to stop taking this personally. People were saying Phoenix was a dark horse candidate for Deron Williams because he really loves playing golf and there are courses everywhere. Maybe Gordon wants to be the centerpiece, and he knows he won’t be in NO. Maybe he’s enamored (rightfully so) with their training staff. Maybe he has a great relationship with Alvin Gentry that we don’t know about. Maybe he felt slighted by Dell and Monty not offering him the max originally. Maybe he (gasp) doesn’t like New Orleans that much. There are a million reasons he could want to leave.
Or yes, maybe it’s just a negotiating ploy, but if it is it’s a huge gamble by him. What happens if he tells Phoenix that he’ll sign, then NOLA works out a sign-and-trade but he actually wanted to stay? Then what does he do? If he tells NOLA my bad I want to stay, he loses all his leverage. The Hornets know he’s not actually going to sign with Phoenix, so why would we give him the max?
Any word on what other teams might want to get in on a 3-way deal? If we don’t want Gortat (whom I personally would love to have on his deal, but an extension would probably be really pricey), there are a lot of teams who need a center with playoff experience and the ability to score down low.
Some good points Chuck
Why in God’s name would anyone with more than 2 neurons vote that post Thumbs Down?
Gortats numbers would not be the same as they were with Phoenix. We have to remember he played with Steve Nash, who has the un-natural tendency to make everyone around him way better. Gortat might be solid, but he definitly shouldnt be the center of that trade.
“I llike Marshall, if we had Gordon to pair him with, not Austin Rivers. Can you imagine how bad our backcourt would be defensively? ”
About as bad as Jarrett Jack/Belinelli or Vasquez/SG.
I see that 19 fans agree with your post. I don’t. Knowing about Gordon and his family background, I would NOT ever call him a liar. I think it’s disrespectful. Gordon could have agreed to sign the offer sheet and said nothing IF in fact he wanted to return to NO. He wants to be in PHX.
I fall short of calling him a liar.
Talking to fans is all lip service. If it’s not, he’s hurting himself. I see no `expectation of honesty’ towards us.
I just want him to be honest with the brass and vice versa. If that’s going down, I feel no moral outrage.
As a Suns fan and reading these comments I smile when NO fans think they would get certain PHX players if a sign and trade happened. I can almost guarantee you that Marshall isnt going anywhere, same with Gortat. PHX has worked for a long time to get a solid center…they wont let him go easy. To respond to NO fans that dont think that PHX has any assets that can benefit you……….really? Your team was 21-45 last season….. ANY TEAMs would have assets for you guys. The Suns did not have a good season ending at 33-33 and we STILL were in better shape. I can understand NO fans being a little bitter, your best scorer doesnt want to stay in your city. PHX very well could be a brighter future for him & doesnt his younger brother play for ASU? PLus our “miracle medical staff” that kept our grandfathers (Nash & Hill) on the floor for so long will get Gordon into shape real quick. Yes the Suns have absolutley made thier mistakes in the past since our new owner came in 2004. HOWEVER, at least in the last 10 years the Suns know what its like to smell the playoffs/Finals on a regular basis. In close, I wish NO the best in whatever they decide to do and hope that your Justin Bieber aged rookies really bring your team into the spotlight. 🙂
Why would he want to play on the lame duck Suns who are going to be terrible once Nash leaves… I can understand if this was his stance based on an offer from the Pacers, but from the Suns???
If we can’t get a 3rd team involved, we should take back Gortat and Marshall and a pick. 2 years of Gortat isn’t bad for his salary and Marshall would be a good pick up. 3 rookies is a bit risky but we are in rebuild mode and the OKC ways seems to be the way to go.
Either way I am still not sold on paying Gordon 14.5 mil a year given his never really shown he wants to stay here.
Because of how much the media focused on the Chris Paul, Deron Willaims, Lebron, Chris Bosh, Carmelo, Dwight situations, people forget that not all players want to solely win a championship at all costs. Only Superstars who are worried with their branding and veterans who want to go out with a ring go to contenders. Eric Gordon at this stage in his career, young but by no means a superstar is probably only looking for money and a place where he can get the spotlight to help improve his branding as a star. For those reasons i can see why Phoenix is much more appealing than New Orleans, its nothing personal.
Even losing Gordon for Marshall an some picks, we would have plenty of space to go get McGee and a guard next year
There is no way the Suns are sending Gortat or Marshall in a sign and trade. Sorry to burst your collective bubbles Hornets fans. I feel sorry for your team losing Gordon on a max offer sheet when clearly he doesn’t deserve it after playing only nine games last year. The Suns reek of desperation here, with the Nash era over PHX needs to make a splash and prove to their fan base that owner Robert Sarver isn’t cheap, and I am hoping Benson saves them from themselves. If the Hornets match the Suns will go with plan B, amnesty Childress, sign Dragic, Mayo and Beasley, which should have been plan A anyways. I have no doubts Gordon can be a stud in his league, but I have my doubts he is max worthy, think Kobe, LBJ, Dirk, DWill, Melo, Howard, Wade, clearly Gordon is not in the same vein as those stars who are definately deserving of max money.. You would think the history of Penny Hardaway would teach he Suns something but they are drunk off the kool aide right now and still bitter that Houston stole Jeremy Lamb a pick before Marshall. Good luck NOLA, as a SUNS fan I am rooting hard for you right now.
Sorry but mayo and beasley will not be the answer for your team. Might as well keep childress.
Who do you see the Suns willing to part with in a sign and trade?
I love healthy Gordon, i really do, but if he doesnt want to be here then its best to see what we can get for him, i like Gortat a lot, hes big and he can score, which is what we need next to Davis, a center that wont get pushed around and can score, I also wanted us to trade Marshall so i would gladly welcome him in our team, then maybe we can get a guy like Mayo at the 2, Jack-Mayo-Aminu-Davis-Gortat isnt bad at all
Losing Gordon could be a blessing in disguise. We would have plenty of cap room and we would be probably just bad enough to get a Muhammad Noel or zeller
And while I’m not big on gortat or Dudley, I’d want to take them to gut Phoenix do they get a better draft pick which we should get in the trade
Also, there is absolutely no way Gordon leaves for nothing. We would at least get Marshall and Gortat. With that being said, who would he have to play with? Ronnie Price? Channing Frye? I understand the thoughts that he was the next great thing in Los Angeles until Blake Griffin and he got shove aside and may believe that will happen with SkyNet, but we have already said that he is the face of the franchise and that we don’t want to put too much pressure on 19-year olds. I think this is just for leverage.
stupid fan base that want a mediocre franchise for years to come you fools would want to be in the lottery for the next 4 years with that nonsense Davis be gone by 2.
Where in the world does that come from? That has absolutely nothing to do with this. #attentionwanter
wat
They say if you love New Orleans, it will love you back. . . .and vice versa. That being said, so long Gordon. Assets, picks, youth please. Hornets are aiming to contend in 2013/14. That is totally okay with me. Next year’s FA class is way stronger. Batum, Hibbert, Asik, Kaman, Gordon, and all these other clowns getting big money. . .is a joke.
YES I agree. Patience is key right now. I do NOT want Batum or Asik or Dragic or any of them really.
What are you talking about? And, if you aren’t a fan, then why are you here?
J is just a troll. Read his past comments.
Seriously all I’m hearing is sour grapes. WHo really wants to play in New Orleans? DOEs Chris Paul come to mind? Oh yea he demanded to be traded because he knows what type of organization they are. ANd why is everyone talking about the Suns trading Marshall? He was drafted to replace Nash. SO he will not be part of any deal nor will Gortat. If anything The Suns would want to unload childress, warrick, or fyre. They’re young players are untouchable. The big key here is this, Gordon knows he won’t be the star in New Orleans. Anthony Davis will be. IN phoenix he will be the star and get all the attention.
Why would the Hornets ever agree to a sign-and-trade that doesn’t include BOTH Marshall and Gortat (and some more)? You’re saying the Hornets trade EG10 for some draft picks and childress/warrick?? Much rather match the offer and keep him duh
If Marshall is such a centerpiece, why are the Suns interested in Dragic? To back up Marshall at 8-10 mill a year?
Uhhhh because Marshall is a rookie..?
Do you live in downtown Phoenix? Are you sad that Nash is leaving? So, maybe he knows what kind of an organization Phoenix is? BTW, Were you J first, Jesse afterwards, and maybe your next comment is gonna be under “Jesse James or JJ” ? 🙂
Also regarding your personal attack on the city of New Orleans and the question “WHo really wants to play in New Orleans?”
2 instances of players “wanting to get out” does not form a trend. Stop being so judgmental and ignorant. Chris Paul LOVED New Orleans. Only reason it got ugly was the Hornets couldn’t surround him with a capable enough team. Ill-advised signings with Peja and Posey. And terrible draft picks. And Chris Paul still LOVES New Orleans to this day. But, of course you probably don’t think. Actually, I know you don’t think that. He still has charity organizations in NOLA and has always said he had nothing against the city… just more opportunity to win big. Eric Gordon wanting out isn’t even a done deal… maybe bluffing or whatever.
Anthony Davis WANTS to play in NO. Austin Rivers WANTS to play in NO. Jarrett Jack WANTS to play in NO. Greivis Vazquez WANTS to play in NO. I know all these for facts based on interviews, comments, social media, etc etc. At the time, David West loved New Orleans. Most of his leaving was related to knowing Chris Paul was out.
And at least 95% of the Saints players WANT to play in New Orleans. The Saints success was started based on the fact of players (and coaches) WANTING to be in New Orleans. They all see the opportunity for big time success.
And I guarantee that FAs will consider New Orleans soon with the foundation and young talent and some of the best coaching staff and GM set in place.
So you’re question… “WHo really wants to play in New Orleans?” Plenty.
We’re still a very young franchise! Examples that Thomas pointed out during the CP3 Saga are really important moving forward. The City never really failed the players it’s just that we had to take bumps and bruises to find the right combo of Owner/GM/Coach/Players. This offseason and 2012-13 season will show if we finally have the right combo, and if we do ppl like Jesse will be stoned! I strongly feel that once Benson’s builds that new facility, changes the name, and brings other key resources in we’ll be playoff contending so hard ppl will get sick of seeing us!
I agree on all you’ve spoke on sir with one exception the cp thing.other than that you are so right.
If the guys heart is somewhere else other tha NOLA then we dont want him here as well. Good luck dealer Dell. If you love New Orleans, New Orleans will love you back.
Any chance you think Gordon’s heart is in Phoenix cause they gave him a max. I mean if another job offered you a huge raise wouldn’t your heart want you to take the new job
I can’t decide if it’s the max plus their training/medical staff or if it’s just a ploy to get more money elsewhere because remember not only can we match it, but we can add another year on top…something no other team can do. So if it’s solely about the money he would stay in N.O. I’m waiting to hear what happens after he talks to Coach and Dell! They will def get a feel for if he want’s to play with us. Coach is not going to sign off on keeping him (even though he has lil say in the matter) if he’s not going to give 100%.
Yeah I agree. That talk with Demps and Monty is gonna be key. If he can say he might have made some comments on the spur of the moment/emotional statements without thinking and that he will give it his all, I’ll certainly welcome him as a Hornet again.
First of all, let’s remember that Gordon didn’t want to be traded out of the Clippers to come to New Orleans. Maybe he doesn’t want to be here. More than likely he’s just looking to maximize his profits, which I can’t begrudge him. That’s why he was doing his cross-country tour: to find a willing taker/sucker to pay him that max deal. The Suns, who are about to lose Steve Nash, appear to be willing.
Josh is right that the cupboard in Phoenix is bare though. I wouldn’t even want Marshall (whom I loved at UNC) given how poorly he and Rivers would mesh defensively. Gortat? Morris? Lopez? If we can find someone to take them and give the Hornets either a quality C or a starting-caliber SF, then fine.
Hey Fredo, Marshall was on our radar for the draft and had a good workout with us. Monty spoke well of him at that time as well. Do you not want him because he’s a rook….I mean it’s not like we’re trading Gordon only for Marshall…he’ll just be a piece of the pie. I guess when Marshall is one of the best assests they have trading with them seems bleek huh…LOL!
I wanted Marshall as well before we drafted Rivers. I wouldn’t be wholly against him joining us. The problem to consider is the defensive qualities of a Marshall-Rivers backcourt as well as how getting Marshall would mean Rivers would have to be developed as a shooting guard.
Personally, i think its time we trade EG…i love to have EG back but not at that price….he will earn more than LEBRON!wat!….everytime i see his pic when he was introduced by the management to NOLA he really doesn’t want to be here……
if they will S&T him to phoenix…i will go marshall,lopez and their 1st rd pick for 2013 and 2014…..both for sure are lottery bound….^^,……im not sold on gortat because nash simply just make basketball easy for him….no gortat and we can still try to lure mcgee here…
Hoping michael jordan call and offer us MKG and kemba walker for EG…….^^,
I don’t disagree, but don’t judge EG10 on “his pic when he was introduced by the management to NOLA.”
That’s literally the face he always has. He’s very reserved, pretty emotion-less.
Check out this http://www.nba.com/suns/video/suns-recruit-eric-gordon. It’s the suns recruiting of Gordon. And dang do they know how to recruit
wow! I don’t know if I’ve ever really seen that before… They got people to go, fake introduction, pic of him in a Suns jersey….. not hard to know why he might like it.
With that being said, none of that is compared to the foundation the Hornets have right now and the bigger chance for success.
http://www.nba.com/suns/video/suns-recruit-eric-gordon
Gulp
If he wants out, I say we give him to the worst team possible for a sign and trade……..hello bobcats. Good luck with the rest of your career.
like i said trade him to the bobcats…..but if he really wants to go to the suns then lets gut there roster out and get there 1st rounds pick wid it
Problem is that there isn’t much to gut. After Nash is gone, the team is a Lopez twin, Gortat, Morris and not much else. Even with EG and Marshall onboard, that’s going to be a contender for the top pick in next year’s draft.
Heck, he’s already been on the worst team possible, that’s why he wants out! Even Phoenix is a step up!
Trade him to the Bobcats for Kemba Walker and someone else + unprotected 1st round draft pick 🙂 Only if he really wants out though. If he wants to play but it is just money then make a deal with him to keep him happy!
“Worst team possible.” hahahaha pretty sure that belongs to the Bobcats of Charlotte who I don’t know.. set the record for worst season ever.
Thanks for getting this post up quickly Joe. I went to the Suns blog after hearing this and i see the latest post was simply a reiterated version of the ESPN post. Here you get a more in depth analysis on everything Hornets related and Im very glad that my favorite team also has the best true-hoop blog out there, which only helps being an international fan.
Wow. I wish we could have a visit like Phoenix’s.
This will be a very interesting 10 days.
A lot of you must be very unfamiliar with Marcin Gortat.
The dudes a beast no doubt, A real traditional old school Center. But I think he’d be better as a trade asset for the Hornets than an actual long term player just because Mcgee would be so awesome next to Skynet.
I’m not buying the idea that EG is valuable at 48 mil but trade bait at 58. In this league the two types of players that you nearly always have to pay big to land are RFA’s and stars… and EG is both.
I would agree but for two words: Peja Stojakovic.
I actually tried to like this comment twice.
cp3pdx,
That is the weakness in Joe’s argument isn’t! That all of these teams are throwing crazy money at players and the extra $2.5M/year changes the Hornets thinking on Gordon. Like Dell is going to say this when Gordon is injured: “It’s not the first $12M/year that bugs me, but the last $2.5M!”
Either you need Gordon to take the pressure of Davis or you don’t. (I personally am scared to death of Gordon’s injury risk, but I think Dell weighs the risk/reward of Gordon, including allowing 19 years old Davis to develop with less pressure, and concludes the extra $2.5M is worth it here.)
So you will always accept a 15% – 20% markup without exploring other options?
Let him walk – I don’t want to see a sign and trade for mediocre pieces. The Hornets are much better off with the cap space. Eric Gordon is a nice player but he’s never healthy and absolutely isn’t worth $14.5 million per year. Kevin Durant made $15.5 million last season, Lebron $16 million, Paul $16.3 million, Deron Williams $16.3. I don’t even think Gordon is worth more than $8 million a year since he misses so many games. James Harden will be a free agent (restricted) next summer and he’s actually worth the money. That cap space is very valuable.
Other notable free agents next summer:
Tyreke Evans (R)
Manu Ginobili
Josh Smith
Paul Millsap
Al Jefferson
Taj Gibson (R)
Andrew Bynum
Whilst I agree, unless Rivers, Davis and Miller show serious game why would those players want to sign here? Not trying to offend the city but, time and time again we see stars signing in big markets.
I don’t think you just let him walk. Take morris, cash, and some draft picks and sign Mayo, who will cost some money but stated that he wants to play in a small market, and dragic. Unfortunately, we may have to max out mcgee; but hey you have to spend the money or it is going to be spread out to the people on the roster anyway. Might as well build for the future.
No sign and trade for their first round pick and then hit their team sO they suck. If they say that’s too much, then he can stay a hornet and go to another team that’s willing to give up more
Should be “gut their team”
I am disappointed although I understand that he is trying to get paid and the Hornets did not think he is worth a max contract and neither do I. The video was cool and they laid out the red carpet but what do you expect when they will lose Steve Nash and basically have no one else? Let’s admit it Steve Nash made that team better than they actually are. Maybe he doesn’t want to be in New Orleans because how can someone have your heart in one meeting unless you don’t want to be in New Orleans. I am confident that Demps has a contingency plan and this is not catching him by surprise, he will give Gordon the opportunity to say what was reported he said to his face and then I think the search for his replacement will be on. He does not sit well in my gut and we don’t need to open the season with him or his issues.
COWARD, HACK and SHAMELESS. That’s all I have to say about Eric Gordon. He never fooled me.
Hey, he didn’t ask to be traded to New Orleans. Heck, I’ve been to Phoenix and New Orleans and I wouldn’t want to live in LA either!
oh cmon! IT’S BROUSSARD! Don’t overreact.
Is it wrong that if he is dealt, I want one of those knees of his to EXPLODEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Yes.
But a season (though not career) ending broken leg would be justice.
Just read that his younger brother is going to Arizona State. Now, this suns thing maybe making a little more sense.
Good catch V! You’re right it is making more sense!
“I strongly feel they are the right franchise for me. Phoenix is just where my heart is now” So, after these words, would you want to keep Eric Gordon? If you keep him, how is he going to eat those words and play for Hornets with his heart? Or, are we simply going to consider these words as an attempt of a professional player to get a max deal and forget them later on?
No matter what, seems like EG10 wants out. Dell has the cards in hand. Let’s make Phoenix pay the price! Future draft picks, Marshall and Gortat. Ask for those! Let them sign Dragic and make him a starter backed up by Brooks.
We can complete a hat-trick by bringing Marshall next to Davis and Rivers. Gortat will fill our need for a center at a decent price 7.3 & 7.7 mil in 12-13 and 13-14 respectively.
That could be much better for our future if the injury-prone distgruntled Gordon’s heart is somewhere else! 🙂
The article and comments are missing one crucial option for the Hornets. They can simply match The Phx offer then trade him to any other team aside from the Suns. Gordon has no say in this once NO decides to match. They don’t even have to tell Gordon what they plan on doing. NO can then trade him to Houston or whoever really wants him and has better assets. NO can be working on these potential trades over the next 10 days and if none are better than the Phx S&T offers than you just take that one before Gordon signs on the 11th.
Actually, per the CBA, Eric Gordon would have to agree to any trade the Hornets put him into over the next year after they match.
And you are right, that should be in the article. Will edit
There is no way the Suns are sending Gortat or Marshall in a sign and trade. Sorry to burst your collective bubbles Hornets fans. I feel sorry for your team losing Gordon on a max offer sheet when clearly he doesn’t deserve it after playing only nine games last year. The Suns reek of desperation here, with the Nash era over PHX needs to make a splash and prove to their fan base that owner Robert Sarver isn’t cheap, and I am hoping Benson saves them from themselves. If the Hornets match the Suns will go with plan B, amnesty Childress, sign Dragic, Mayo and Beasley, which should have been plan A anyways. I have no doubts Gordon can be a stud in his league, but I have my doubts he is max worthy, think Kobe, LBJ, Dirk, DWill, Melo, Howard, Wade, clearly Gordon is not in the same vein as those stars who are definately deserving of max money.. You would think the history of Penny Hardaway would teach he Suns something but they are drunk off the kool aide right now and still bitter that Houston stole Jeremy Lamb a pick before Marshall. Good luck NOLA, as a SUNS fan I am rooting hard for you right now.
We lose him how again? By not matching because we don’t want him?
Did you say Lamb? Sounds like we found the third team for our possible trade!
This is the 3rd time you’ve posted this exact same comment. Do you have memory loss or something?
No Ron, apparently this is a very poor site that reloads comments, why would the moderator accept three identical post?
Jason, I’m lost on your comment.. I don’t want Gordon on PHX, I’m hoping NOH matches.. I don’t believe the Suns will be accommodating trade partners.
No Ron, apparently this is a very poor site that reloads comments, why would the moderator accept three identical post?
Jason, I’m lost on your comment.. I don’t want Gordon on PHX, I’m hoping NOH matches.. I don’t believe the Suns will be accommodating trade partners, if that is the path they take
It’s not.
You are controlling your posts and putting them in reply to different posts.
The site is plenty fine to keep you here.
I know what you are doing and I’m outdoing you.
Big unit.
If they don’t give us gortat Marshall and some picks then they don’t get Gordon. Simple as that
I sense way too much EJ hate to say that he’s not gone yet, If he stays & we’re winning everyone will be on the We Love Eric Train. Its his first time being a free agent & wants to get paid big money like everyone else, I think his heart is with a 4yr/58mil contract more than than it is with the Phoenix Suns so dont take it personal, during the off-season spending just about his entire time still living in New Orleans I think he likes the city, but 58,000,000 talks & talks loud
I think this is actually the best case scenario — I love Gordon’s talent, but was not excited about him either walking next year for nothing or getting injured again. In the absence of a third team, I’d take Marshall, Lopez, and next years First Round pick. Not sure if they’d do that — but I think that is fair value.
I’d much prefer Lopez to Gortat. Without Gordon, we aren’t contending for the playoffs next year, and probably could become a borderline playoff team in 2 years. Why bring in Gortat. Lopez is younger, and could be a consistent contributor on a playoff team. Marshall is young — between Rivers/Marshall, hopefully one of them develops. Lastly, as bad as it sounds, without Gordon, we should just accept tanking for another year. Not intentionally, but just as a result of building a team around 3 rookies.
If we receive Phoenix’s pick, we could potentially get two lottery picks next year. More importantly, we will have cap space to potentially sign someone next year as well.
I’d be okay with a Marshall, Rivers, Aminu, Lopez, Davis, and two upcoming lottery picks in the next year, plus the chance of signing a legitimate free agent. Lets be patient, and do this the OKC way.
What has Gordon done to be valued so highly that the Suns should give up their 1st round pick this year (Marshall) either an all-star center in Gortat or their 1st round pick from a few years ago (Lopez) AND an upcoming 1st round pick that will likely be a lottery pick?
ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! CP left last year! Gordon is not him!
You NOLA fans are quite delusional. Has to be the swamp gas affecting the brain!
What made Gordon valued so highly for him to get a max contract? If the suns extended a max contract offer to him obviously the think he’s worth a good amount. Get off our boards, your comments are immature.
Ask your team. They offered him the contract.
Good question Steper! But, What has Gordon done to make the Suns introduce him as the “cornerstone” of their franchise in their Arena and get a max offer from him?
Are they delusional because of the heat in Arizona? Steamed brains or what?
If they want their cornerstone, and if Gordon wants out, let us make them all pay the price for it! 🙂 I hope our GM will do so!
first of all, you can have Lopez all day long. He sucks.
You aren’t getting Gortat. Not even in your wildest dreams. You also aren’t getting Marshall. And you aren’t getting a 1st round pick.
I just don’t understand why you guys think you have leverage.
Gordon stated he doesn’t want to play in NO. NO knows this. THey also know he isn’t worth MAX dollars, and that their little bluff about matching is risking the idea that the Suns say fine, take him, and then NO is stuck with a disgruntled MAX player with injuries. How on earth do they think they have any leverage. Suns will throw scraps just to get a deal done, but they won’t be of much value because the Suns know that NO does not really want to sign Gordon to a max deal, and that they will piss Gordon off enough by mucking this up that they won’t get much for him on the market in a trade next year.
In either case, PHX has nothing to lose by standing pat. Sure, they miss out on Gordon, but so what. They are no worse for wear if Gordon isn’t aboard. They simply go to plan B.
@ all the troll’s and haters:
Eric Gordon doesn’t want to be in NOLA. He can sign the offer sheet and the Hornets will match. The Suns then have 2 options.
A: Trade the likes of Gortat and Marshall should we want them
or B: Miss out on Eric Gordon.
If he wants out of New Orleans so badly we will shop him for the best deal available and he will accept it because he really doesnt want to be in NOLA. I can not see any way the Hornets do not win in this situation. Match him and trade him.
Eg cant take back what he said about where his heart is…NO fans dont want him back period..58 million Injury proned man..
What has EG done to deserve 58 million???He has potential but potential is nothing without results…He cant get better if hes not on the court also..I say deal him to Houston in a sign and trade get some young assets and continue to build..
I’m gutted… I’ve met EG and he’s a super nice guy. I understand he is doing what he feels is best for him but I don’t think we can let him walk. Honestly we could have grabbed Marshall if we really wanted and I’m not sure he’ll be a top 5 pg in a few years. EG will be a top sg as soon as next year. You can’t just let that walk away. You know he won’t sign the qualifying offer because that would be too much risk for him so you match the offer and let him know that his rights are owned by the hornets and they are within their rights to hold onto him. I expect him to be the professional that he is and play out his contract.
Injuries. Injuries, injuries, injuries.
Trading him to Phoenix for Gortat and next year’s 1st round pick (they probably wouldn’t pony up all three assets) gives us cap room for another scorer.
I do not want Marshall. The Suns would have to rope in another team or two to give us what we want. I really like Gortat however if we can use him to get some younger talent from a third or 4th team I rather that.
The only thing I would want from PHX for certain is an unprotected 1st round pick next year. If Nash leaves and we can get them to trade Gortat and a Jared Dudley/Channing Frye PHX will most certainly be at the bottom of the league next year. That unprotected 1st could be gold in what looks to be a top heavy draft next year.
Let the PHX trolls have their fun…
I actually will feel bad for the suns if gordon signs with us. (Not that bad tho) The way they threw themselves at him was a sight to behold… Can you imagine how crappy they will feel if he rejects their offer of a max deal and “cornerstone” offering??
Well he didn’t reject them……
Phoenix had to jump into this knowing that they would have to end up trading for him. The Hornets couldn’t make it any more clear that we would match any offer.
Let’s see what they pony up.
I was very hot about this last night, but after sleeping on it I don’t care. He can pout like a baby all he wants but we own his *** until we decide to get some value for it.
I’d take Brooks, Marshall, Gortat and a 1st rounder from the Suns for him. 7.5 mill a year for a center with a PER of 21+ seems like a pretty sweet bargain.
I actually like Brooks, but no one else seems to give him much credit. If they won’t let go of Marshall I would take Brooks, Gortat, 1st rounder, and a 3rd team to help smoth things over. Somehow I feel like Houston is going to be the third team. But if Houston gets involved that changes my whoooollle scenario of who I would pick.
Diehard Hornets and Knicks fan here. Sounds like Nash is getting traded for Shumpert which is very difficult for me as I think it’s a decent move but Shumpert is my favorite Knick. I’m hoping this turns out to be a blessing in disguise so that he now becomes included in a Gordon deal and I’ll get to watch Shumpert develop with Davis as possibly the best wing and post defending duo in the league. He’d fit in so well with this culture and he’s not afraid to take the big shot so as long as he continues to work on his shooting he could be a star. I’d prefer him to anything else the Suns could offer. Do love Gortat though.
Good comments.
Thanks.
Sorry for ur loss broseph! We’ll put in a good word and see if we can pick him up and give him a good home!
YOU AREN’T GETTING SQUAT IN A SNT. Someone said NO holds all the cards, but that is exactly the opposite of the truth. PHX holds all the cards. Gordon has expressed his disinterest in NO from the beginning, and just flat out said his heart is in PHX. How can NO keep this guy when he wants to play elsewhere. They can’t. They can’t have him around young guys, complaining and giving half-effort. They HAVE to trade him or let him go and PHX knows this. They also know that NO doesn’t really want to pay Gordon a max deal, and at this point they know they really don’t want him there. Why would PHX give up anything for a guy that NO can’t keep on their roster.
Phoenix will send Warrick’s expiring deal and some of the fodder they get from the Knicks in the Nash SNT. That is about all you can hope for. You aren’t getting Marshall, Keiff, Gortat or Dudley, so keep dreaming. What you might get is Gordon on a max deal, cause we play chicken better than you and we aren’t steering off the road. Head on baby!
Your logic has failed you.
We do have the leverage right now. While it’s obvious we rather not give EJ the max we are fully prepared to do so anyways. Especially if PHX isn’t willing to part with any players of value.
The only way PHX/Gordon can gain leverage is if EJ can convince us he’s willing to sign the QO.
Lol. Let’s just say that you are right…..for a second. All we have to do is match his contract. Then, if he wants to leave so bad…..we trade him to the rockets or any other team but the suns. Since he will be soooo unhappy, he would let the trade go through. Any offer from another team is better than the trash you are throwing out. Guess what…we still win and he is not in a sun’s uniform. Head on baby!
Really really like this comment!
Suns just lost Nash for draft picks, which you can happily send our way if you want though we probably don’t want them 🙂
Also if your other big move was a $18 mil offer to Beasley then I think it is clear the Suns brass are in panic mode and just splashing money around. You will be the next Detroit Pistons at this rate.
NO holds the rights to EG no matter what. All we have to do is match and then if you guys want him sooo bad then work out a S&T if not. We just keep him till we can trade him or better yet we trade him to his hometown Pacers and either way PHX has to give up something if they really want EG.
I’ll enjoy watching PHX steer right off the cliff then!
You lose Nash, you don’t get Gordon, and you’re stuck watching Dragic, Gortat and Beasley struggle to win 35 games – enjoy!
Hubert let me tell you one thing about EG that I know for a absolute fact in that he is a great kid from a great family and is a absolute total professional. He understands this is a business and if NO were to match the offer he would accept it and come in as hungry as ever. Yes every nba plays for a team but they also play for themselves, their families, their past coaches and mentors and for everybody that helped them get to where they are. Yes you occasionally have guys like Marbury and Ricky Davis who are insane but I can tell you EG is not that kind of person. He won’t hurt the locker or any other non sense you think he will do. It’s business people. I can tell you right now that dell will match the offer an EG will be the starting shooting guard for the hornets come opening night.
And when he balls hard and hits a few game winning shots…. everyone won’t care about this.
Remember that shot?
I was in Houston, and they didn’t have CST. I watched the Saints-Dirty Birds game that Drew Brees set the record and all the Atlanta fans were mad because they thought we were running up the score. I watched the highlights; the shot was amazing.
I’m still a fan of him… I don’t know why even after that comment. I hope that isn’t his only good moment with the Hornets.
And again, I keep reading on several forums of other fans (Phoenix) saying EG never wanted to be here because of his facial expression in the press conference (yeah, seriously…). I rewatched that Josh… look at his face. He really does have that face all the time. Stone cold killer.
A few things: Let me get this out of the way. Phoenix fans, leave or stop trolling. You can go troll on some other site. How would you like it if all of us went on your Valley of the Suns?
Here’s the deal. If we trade Gordon to Phoenix, we will get a lot more than Josh Childress and Hakeem Warrick (That is what people on Valley of the Suns say). Phoenix thinks he is worth a max contract. Obviously, they believe in him. We would at least get Gortat, Marshall, and a first-round pick. You are talking about a max guy. Max guys are thought of as superstars. We have leverage. If they don’t offer us something good, then we won’t trade him to Phoenix. We are doing what is best for our organization, not for Eric or Phoenix. We don’t have to accept any deal. We can find whatever deal we want.
ha for thinking you are going to pull Gortat Marshall and a 1st. You are high on your own fumes.
Here is what I would give you:
Gordon and the finger.
@ all the troll’s and haters:
Eric Gordon doesn’t want to be in NOLA. He can sign the offer sheet and the Hornets will match. The Suns then have 2 options.
A: Trade the likes of Gortat and Marshall should we want them
or B: Miss out on Eric Gordon.
If he wants out of New Orleans so badly we will shop him for the best deal available and he will accept it because he really doesnt want to be in NOLA. I can not see any way the Hornets do not win in this situation. Match him and trade him.
Nash in a sign and trade to the Lakers for two future 1st Rounders (2013 & 2015) and two future 2nd Rounders (2013 and 2014), using up the Laker’s Lamar Odom trade exemption. What does that say about Gordon’s trade value, which is obviously higher than the value of the 38 year old Nash?
Those draft picks aren’t worth much IMO, so it doesn’t say much, really?
Phoenix just signed Bradley to 3 year 18 mil contract. Now we could get Beasley Marshall and 1st for Gordon then go get McGee in fa.
Beasly not bradley
Active little suckers, aren’t they?
and they just signed dragic.
Who really want the cancer that is Michael Beasley on the Hornets? Not I. Nor do I see that as anything but more desperation by the Suns.
Doesn’t the Suns getting Michael Beasley make it less attractive to play there?
Wonder if Golden State would be interested in Gordon? I’d trade him for Harrison Barnes straight up. I’d also do Gordon + Jack for Barnes + Dorell Wright
Hey check out the article in the times picayune…no sign and trade
http://www.nola.com/hornets/index.ssf/2012/07/under_nba_rules_new_orleans_ho.html
Good deal, y’all just cleared this up on twitter
That article is wrong. Because Gordon has only *agreed* to sign an offer sheet and has not actually signed the offer sheet, a sign and trade can still be worked out.