The New Orleans Hornets took the first step to retaining Eric Gordon Thursday by extending a qualifying offer to the young guard, according to the team’s official Twitter account:
Signed. Sealed. Delivered. Tom Benson is officially the new owner of the New Orleans Hornets. on.nba.com/NEjWnq
— New Orleans Hornets (@Hornets) June 15, 2012
Gordon is expected to be one of the top free agents available this summer. Extending the offer officially makes Gordon a restricted free agent, giving the Hornets three days to match any offer Gordon gets from another team. The qualifying offer for Gordon is valued at approximately $5.1 million.
Gordon was the centerpiece in the trade that sent Chris Paul to the Clippers, along with Chris Kaman, Al-Farouq Aminu and a first round draft pick. Due to injuries Gordon only appeared in 9 games last season, averaging 20.6 ppg, 3.4 apg and 2.8 rpg.
For his career, Gordon has averaged 18.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg and 3.3 apg in four seasons, the first three with L.A. after being drafted 7th overall by the Clippers in 2008.
-ALR
