The latest on where Sixers' Gordon trade pursuit stands

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Hey, have you heard? Daryl Morey is trying to add a bunch of former Houston Rockets to this year's Sixers team. It's a whole thing.

After nabbing DeAnthony Melton (former Rockets draft pick) on Draft night, Morey signed P.J. Tucker (former Rockets player) and Danuel House Jr. (former Rockets player) on Thursday at the start of NBA free agency.

And his next target, as has been reported multiple times over the past few weeks, is Eric Gordon - who is currently a member of the Rockets.

MORE: Satisfying stars a worthy priority for Sixers in free agency

Gordon, who turns 34 in December, has two years (only one guaranteed) left on his current deal and would be particularly useful to the Sixers, who are trying to gear up for a serious run at winning a title in the next 36 months. He's a good defender, he's a great shooter, and he's a veteran with postseason experience.

The only problem? Well, there are two. He costs $19.5 million against the cap next year... and the Rockets haven't been impressed with the Sixers' offers.

But Morey apparently isn't giving up.

With free agency's first night behind us, here's an update from ESPN reporters Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon on the latest Hoop Collective podcast about where the Sixers' pursuit of Gordon stands:

"WINDHORST: They've been trying to make Eric Gordon happen too, but they haven't quite been able to pull that deal off yet. We'll see if that comes through.

"MACMAHON: Yeah, yeah. That one will be interesting. I do think Gordon will get moved at some point, but that doesn't necessarily mean before the season.

"WINDHORST: We've been saying that for six months.

"MACMAHON: I know. Listen, at some point they're going to take a first-round pick for him. They've had opportunities, they haven't pulled the trigger yet. At some point he might be a little more forceful in making that happen."

Not before the season, eh? Maybe a trade deadline acquisition depending on how things are going? I could see it.

The first-round pick bit from MacMahon isn't encouraging, because the Sixers don't exactly have much in the way of draft capital.

Their 2023 (Nets), 2025 (Thunder), and 2027 (Nets) first-round picks are all gone, and they can't trade their 2024, 2026, or 2028 first-round picks because of the NBA's Stepien Rule.

So unless Houston is enticed by a 2029 first-round pick, the Sixers will have to make it work another way. Maybe that's a three-team trade? Or maybe that's young pieces and a prayer?

Whatever Morey's approach is, Houston has reportedly been unmoved so far.

Here's the latest intel from The Athletic's Rockets reporter Kelly Iko:

"The Rockets were aware of interest from Philadelphia, the connections obvious with Morey and James Harden, just as they were from Phoenix with Chris Paul’s presence. They listened to the 76ers’ offer, but just as has been the case this time last year and other trade deadlines, his internal value was deemed greater than what was offered. This sentiment has been repeated ad nauseam, but Houston would be open to a deal if the return was deemed appropriate. The Rockets simply aren’t desperate to move Gordon, however."

Got it. To recap...

Rockets: Ready to trade Gordon, but the price is high and they're in no rush

Sixers: Ready to trade for Gordon, but not exactly able to match the price

We'll see if something gets done before training camp. I'd be surprised given the state of trade talks right now, but you never know what Morey has up his sleeve.

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