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Free Agency: Golden State Warriors lose out again as veteran guard chooses rival

By Peter O'Keefe

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 14: Eric Gordon #10 of the Los Angeles Clippers goes up for a layup against Jonathan Kuminga #00 and Anthony Lamb #40 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on February 14, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 14: Eric Gordon #10 of the Los Angeles Clippers goes up for a layup against Jonathan Kuminga #00 and Anthony Lamb #40 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on February 14, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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A disappointing and lacklustre free agency has continued for the Golden State Warriors‘, missing out on former Sixth Man of the Year Eric Gordon who has instead signed with their pacific rival Phoenix Suns.

According to The Athletic’s Kelly Iko, “Gordon had recently narrowed his choices down to Phoenix, Golden State and had even considered a reunion in Houston.”

Eric Gordon’s decision to join the Phoenix Suns signifies the Golden State Warriors’ struggles in NBA Free Agency to this point.

The 34-year-old’s decision continues an underwhelming period for the Warriors who are yet to make a move aside from re-signing Draymond Green on Friday. Gordon’s choice is yet another example of Golden State missing out on a player not necessarily because of financial reasons, but because of their inability to be able to provide an assured role and 15-20+ minutes per game.

Eric Gordon guards Stephen Curry during the 2019 playoff matchup between the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Eric Gordon guards Stephen Curry during the 2019 playoff matchup between the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

The Warriors have become well aware of Gordon’s exploits over the years, with the 15-year veteran having been a pivotal piece to the contending Houston Rockets in the late 2010’s.

Gordon was traded by the Rockets to the Los Angeles Clippers at Febrary’s trade deadline, ending a successful seven-year stint at the franchise. He averaged 11 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists with the Clippers in 22 games, shooting 42.3% from three-point range.

His decision to turn his back on Golden State is only worsened by the choice to head to a direct rival in Phoenix. General Manager James Jones has done a solid job so far in free agency, building around the Suns’ new big three of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

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Having lost guard duo Donte DiVincenzo and Ty Jerome to rival teams on Saturday, Gordon would have been a valuable addition to a Warriors’ roster still looking to fill at least three of their four remaining spots.

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