Boston Celtics: 3 trades for Rockets NOT named James Harden

Why the Boston Celtics do it

Armed with a $28.5 million trade exception, the world is Danny Ainge’s oyster. The possibilities are practically endless for what he can add with all of the house money he acquired in the sign-and-trade that finally sent Gordon Hayward out of Beantown.

Obviously, there is a practical end for what he can; the Cs cannot add a max contract salary like James Harden with their TPE. That said, they don’t need a superstar like Harden to tip the scales. Their starting five seemed capable of reaching the NBA Finals last season even without Hayward. It was their bench that failed to live up to the occasion.

Eric Gordon would be a fantastic remedy for the team’s bench woes. While he never really played as well with the Rockets as he did in his time down in New Orleans, Gordon has been able to stick with Houston for the last half-decade, earning an extension in 2019.

With the team seemingly unable to find a definitive role for Gordon, becoming the established veteran sixth man in a Boston Celtics second unit that will include rookies Payton Pritchard and Aaron Nesmith is the best spot for the 31-year-old at this stage of his career.

Why the Houston Rockets do it

Eric Gordon may not make sense for this team if James Harden wants out this badly. John Wall was acquired alongside a draft pick, but he also represents a potential culture shift for the franchise. When a new star player, a new coach and a new general manager are all brought in, the writing is usually on the wall for a complete franchise overhaul.

To acquire another first-round pick, Houston wouldn’t hesitate to part with Gordon in this deal.