Eric Gordon Signs Maximum Offer Sheet With Suns

Eric Gordon celebrates his game-winning three-pointer against the Phoenix Suns, the team he now could be playing for next. (AP Photo)

The New Orleans Hornets had planned on rebuilding their franchise around guard Eric Gordon. After all, he was the prize possession of their trade that sent their last franchise player, Chris Paul, to the Los Angeles Clippers. The 23-year-old Gordon was supposed to be their cornerstone to which they could add young talent, such as recent top ten picks Anthony Davis and Austin Rivers. But all of these plans hinged on re-signing Gordon, who became a restricted free agent this summer.

While exploring his options, Gordon began to have talks with the Phoenix Suns. The more the talks wore on, the more Gordon liked the franchise. This evening, Gordon surprised many people by signing a maximum-salary contract worth $58 millions dollars over four years with the Suns. In his statement about the signing, Gordon concluded by stating, "I strongly feel they (the Suns) are the right franchise for me. Phoenix is just where my heart is now."

Since Gordon is a restricted free agent, the Hornets do have the option to match the Suns contract offer. They are fully expected to do so, but now the franchise is in a precarious position. Their franchise player has clearly expressed the desire to play elsewhere. They have the option to disregard this completely. But they have to remember what happened with Chris Paul. If Gordon truly won't be content in New Orleans, the Hornets may explore the option of a sign-and-trade with the Suns or another franchise.

It is somewhat ironic that the two teams involved are the Hornets and Suns. Gordon's greatest moment as a Hornet came in Phoenix when he buried a three-pointer with 4.4 seconds left to beat the Suns 86-85 on December 26, 2011. The Suns clearly recognize the potential Gordon has. He could be a great fit to fill the void that will likely be left by free agent Steve Nash. Meanwhile, the Hornets need to talk to Gordon and determine where things stand. As much as they would love to have Gordon as their franchise player, they might need to begin looking into a Plan B.