Denver Nuggets: 5 way too early mid-season buyout candidates
By Alex Murray
Denver Nuggets buyout candidate #1: Eric Gordon, G, Houston Rockets
Though he does have a couple of years left on a contract that pays him over $18 million this season and $19-plus next year, the Houston Rockets’ Eric Gordon is almost certainly not long for his current home in southeast Texas. The Rockets are clearly in the midst of a vigorous rebuild, and we already know that John Wall is working with the team to find himself a new home.
It would follow logic that Gordon will be one of the next few out the door. If he does last until buyout season, he would be a seemingly perfect fit for the Denver Nuggets’ depleted backcourt. He’s not as dynamic as he once was or as Jamal Murray is now, but he’s still a skilled multi-level scorer. Here’s a peek at the former Hoosier’s potential when he’s fully unleashed:
While his 3-point shooting has dipped a bit recently, one would have to think that the turbulent situation in Houston contributed to his struggles. If the 32-year-old was added to a contending team with title aspirations, he might just rediscover his best self: he had a 45/40/86 shooting line last time he was in a semi-regular situation during the Rockets’ 2019 playoff run.
Monte Morris has shown himself to be wise beyond his years, but the responsibilities of a starting point guard are much weightier than those of the sixth man, rookie Bones Hyland is a very raw talent, P.J. Dozier is still finding himself, and even Facundo Campazzo is a newcomer to the league.
A veteran of 55 playoff games like Gordon could be exactly what this backcourt needs heading into what they hope to be the deepest playoff run in franchise history.
