Suns, Eric Gordon agree to deal, per sources: What does veteran ...

By Shams Charania, Kelly Iko and Doug Haller

Free-agent guard Eric Gordon has agreed to a deal with the Phoenix Suns, league sources told The Athletic on Sunday. Here’s what you need to know:

• Gordon had recently narrowed his choices down to Phoenix, Golden State and had even considered a reunion in Houston, sources said.
• The Clippers waived the veteran on June 28 instead of guaranteeing his contract for next season. He would have been owed $20.9 million for 2023-24, per Spotrac.
• Gordon averaged 12.4 points, 2.7 assists and 1.9 rebounds in 69 games (58 starts) with the Clippers and Rockets last season. He shot 44.6 percent from the floor.

The Athletic’s instant analysis:

Gordon has been on Phoenix’s wish list it seems for a while. Once upon a time, with a different front office, the Suns signed Gordon to a max offer sheet but the Hornets matched and Gordon stayed in New Orleans. More than a decade later, Gordon finally makes his way to the desert.

At 34, Gordon’s best years are behind him but he should fit in tremendously with the championship-or-bust Suns. Put him on the court with any combination of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal and he’ll get open looks. (He’s a 37.1 percent career 3-point shooter). Gordon can provide scoring punch off the bench. He’s a capable defender. This is a home run for Phoenix. – Haller

Following his release from the Clippers, Gordon took a few days to scan the NBA landscape and figure out the next best steps for his career. Latching onto a contender quickly emerged as his biggest priority over potentially making more money elsewhere. It’s a nice addition for a Phoenix Suns team that has been able to add depth around Booker, Durant and now Beal. Gordon brings experience, two-way ability, elite shooting and can also function as a secondary ball handler when necessary.

New Suns coach Frank Vogel now adds another tough competitor to a core that is firmly entrenched at the top of the Western Conference alongside the reigning champion Denver Nuggets. — Iko

Gordon, originally selected at No. 7 in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Clippers, holds career averages of 16.0 points, 2.8 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game. The 2016-17 Sixth Man of the Year played five seasons in New Orleans and seven in Houston.

(Photo: Kelley L Cox / USA Today)