The New Orleans Hornets and shooting guard Eric Gordon negotiated but could not reach a deal on an extension to his rookie deal.
Reports said he rejected the offer from the Hornets, but Gordon told the Times-Picayune that is not exactly the case.``It wasn’t that I turned down anything, it works both ways,’’ Gordon said. ``Yes, I’ll be restricted, but I am just a basketball player right now and the future is unclear.
``All I can do is worry about coming back at this point to try and help the team win games at the end of the year. It’s not the best situation, but it’s also not the worst. As long as I get back playing that will be the thing.’’
The report goes on to say that Gordon wanted a max contract. I want my own private jet to fly me to my home in Hawaii. Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook get those deals. Not Erick Gordon.
Gordon is good, potentially very good, but not worth a max deal right now. Gordon has played only two games for the Hornets this season and will be out at least another three weeks due to injury. Maybe six weeks. (Not to mention missed 26 games last season.) That injury is a concern as we talk about his next deal.
Gordon will get some healthy offers as a restricted free agent. His payday is coming. But the Hornets made the right call here. Let the market of other teams set his price.
