Trade Scenario: Gordon For Granger

The Pelicans made some serious moves in the off season, and there’s no doubt about that. Adding potential All-Stars Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans have New Orleans fans already thinking playoffs. However, the addition of Tyreke Evans did come with some controversy. It’s questionable whether or not ‘Reke can play the SF position consistently at a high level. So why did New Orleans bring him on board if they already committed to Eric Gordon at SG and Jrue Holiday at PG? Many believed the ‘Cans were planning on moving Gordon, the talented and young, yet injury-prone guard who even stated that he wanted to play for the Suns rather than the Pelicans last summer when he was re-signed. Despite the speculation, New Orleans has yet to make a deal involving him.

Many trade possibilities are on the table when it comes to trying to move Gordon. The most logical one being an Eric Gordon for Danny Granger deal with no other pieces involved. The main reason: it makes perfect sense for both teams. The Pelicans have a hole at SF and a log jam at SG. Dumping Gordon would clear up that log jam and Granger would give them a veteran and an All-Star to add to their already impressive starting lineup. As for Indiana, getting rid of Granger allows Paul George to play at his natural position and Gordon would provide a legitimate offensive threat at SG as opposed to the defensive minded Lance Stephenson. Lineups would look like this:

Indiana Pacers

PG: George Hill/ CJ Watson

SG: Eric Gordon/ Lance Stephenson

SF: Paul George/ Chris Copeland

PF: David West/ Luis Scola

C: Roy Hibbert/ Ian Mahinmi

New Orleans Pelicans

PG: Jrue Holiday/ Austin Rivers

SG: Tyreke Evans/ Anthony Morrow

SF: Danny Granger/ Al-Farouq Aminu

PF: Anthony Davis/ Ryan Anderson

C: Greg Stiemsma/ Jeff Withey

This trade works well for both teams as it clears up some uncertainties at SG and SF. Financially, Gordon and Granger will make about the same amount next season. Gordon has a 4 year contract and Granger is only signed for one more year, so the Pacers would have to be willing to commit while New Orleans would have a little more flexibility. Also, as a latent side note, Granger is from New Orleans and Gordon is from Indianapolis. How perfect would this trade be?