Rockets Eric Gordon Maintains Focus With Trade Deadline Near: 'My Mentality Doesn't Change'
HOUSTON — The NBA trade deadline is Thursday, and Eric Gordon remains at the top of the rumor mill.
Gordon's seven-year tenure with the Houston Rockets could end within 24 hours. But the veteran guard said at shootaround Wednesday morning that he remains focused on helping the Rockets "get a win" against the Sacramento Kings inside the Toyota Center.
"My mentality doesn't change," Gordon said. "I am looking forward to playing well for my team tonight. I can only control what I can control. And that's on the court."
Maintaining his focus ahead of the trade deadline is another lesson Gordon hopes to pass down to Houston's young corps. It's a lesson he learned early in his career after experiencing the business of the NBA.
Gordon said he had heard his name in trade rumors in the past. But whether it's for the Rockets or another team, he remains focused on playing basketball at a high level.
The 2022-23 campaign has been an up-and-down season for Gordon. His numbers are slightly down when compared to his previous six seasons. But whether coincidental or not, Gordon has illustrated he can provide a lift to any franchise hoping to boost its championship odds.
He led the Rockets to a 117-114 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Jan. 28 and has since averaged 23.3 points on 55.4 percent shooting. Gordon was averaging 12.2 points before his 24-point performance inside Little Caesars Arena.
"You just have to focus on basketball," Gordon said. "Everything else will take care of itself. Whether it's here or elsewhere — you have to still play the game. It's about knowing yourself and finding your role.
"I've been playing for 15 years. I know and understand the business side. I've been traded before. I've seen it all. But at the end of the day, all you can do is focus on your craft and basketball."
Gordon's trade value has doubled since taking the helm as Houston's veteran leader over the previous two seasons.
Coach Stephen Silas has a deep admiration for Gordon. His leadership was the reason Silas, Jalen Green and several other players felt grateful the Rockets decided not to move Gordon at the trade deadline last February.
A source told Inside the Rockets there is a "strong possibility" Gordon will be traded ahead of the deadline on Feb. 9. The Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns are strong suitors for Gordon, as first reported by The Athletic.
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