NBA Trade Rumors: Pelicans shopping Eric Gordon, Tyreke Evans

Adding to the list of players who are currently on the trading block, Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders reports the New Orleans Pelicans are open to discussion when it comes to Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans.

Sources say the New Orleans Pelicans are making most of their roster available in trade talks, including Eric Gordon, Tyreke Evans, etc.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 2, 2014

The Eric Gordon dilemma is an ongoing problem the Pelicans could’ve avoided when he hit the free agent market. During free agency, Gordon signed an offer sheet with the Phoenix Suns, openly displaying his displeasure with New Orleans, and the franchise matched the contract anyway. Since then, Gordon has dealt with injury on and off while the Pelicans have looked to replace his production, overpaying guards in the process. While Gordon’s contract is up in two years, a player option in 2015-16 will further drive teams away from Gordon as he’s almost a sure bet to opt into the deal because of recurring injuries.

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With Tyreke Evans, the owners push to improve the team immediately pressure the front office into signing Evans. And in the process, they gave up a viable center in Robin Lopez, a decision they’d probably re-do if given the opportunity. With three years and $30 million left on his current contract, the market for Evans will be dry. He’s a shooting guard that can’t shoot and would likely be looking for a starting spot wherever he goes. For his same production, a team could find a 3-and-D player to play his role at a huge fraction of the price.

How can the Pelicans move these two? By attaching assets to them; but by doing so, the Pelicans hamper their chance to grow in the future. It’s a double-edged sword, but the Pelicans put themselves in this position, so the front office has no one to blame but themselves.