Eric Gordon: Restricted FA | NBA 2023

The Los Angeles Clippers had the decision to make regarding Eric Gordon: Would they fully guarantee his $21 million salary for the 2023-24 season and bring back a player who would fit nicely alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, or would they not do so and waive a player for whom they traded at the trade deadline last year? As it turns out, Gordon's second stay with the Clippers will come to an end after 22 games.

Eric Gordon was acquired by the Clippers in a three-team deal with the Houston Rockets that sent Luke Kennard to the Memphis Grizzlies and John Wall, as well as a 2023 first-round selection exchange, to the Rockets.

Why the Clippers made this move?

The Clippers took the choice not to guarantee Gordon's last year of his deal in consideration of the other players on the roster. The Clippers have the following players at guard and small forward behind maybe Russell Westbrook (free agent), Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard.

• Bones Hyland
• Norman Powell
• Terance Mann
• Jason Preston
• Brandon Boston Jr.
• Amir Coffey
• Jordan Miller (second-round rookie)

Gordon is  34 years old and has plenty of NBA miles on his legs, but he can still span the floor and maybe anchor a backup unit as a spark off the bench. Gordon made 37.1 percent of his three-point attempts last season and 41.2 percent in 2021-22 with Houston.

The Clippers still have a lot of changes to make this season, which may start once free agency begins on June 30th. However, it is fascinating to see the Clippers part ways with Gordon after selling a highly important Luke Kennard and a choice exchange for Cam Whitmore, who is expected to be one of the top players in this year's NBA Draft.

Contenders looking for veteran pieces to space the floor around their stars and primary ball-handlers will undoubtedly be interested in Gordon, and his playoff experience with appearances in 60 postseason games means he should be ready to contribute in crunch time of important games down the stretch of the season for whichever team signs him.