Eric Gordon was reportedly looking for a escape from New Orleans. Again.
Again, he’s staying.
Last time, it was New Orleans making the call, matching his max offer sheet from the Suns.
This time, it’s Gordon’s call.
Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders:
Eric Gordon has opted in for the next season with the New Orleans Pelicans @BBallInsiders
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) June 18, 2015
Gordon wouldn’t get his $15,514,031 salary on the open market.
At 26, he’s too young to opt out just to seek a new long-term deal – especially one year before the cap skyrockets. Gordon’s best bet is trying to put together a productive season and entering free agency in the new-TV-contract landscape.
It’s been a miserable few years for Gordon, but playing with Anthony Davis offers hope – hope of easier shots and hope of playoff advancement, which raises the stock of everyone.
Gordon making the best of his situation means another year with the Pelicans – even if that’s just to position himself to sign elsewhere next summer.