Assembling former Rockets in Philly is the trend. Daryl Morey, the ex-GM of the Houston Rockets, now the President of Philadelphia 76ers basketball operations, is using his relations with players to convince them. Eric Gordon, however, isn’t the first Rocket to join them.

Just before the 2022 trade deadline, Morey had orchestrated a deal that brought in James Harden in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets that sent Ben Simmons the other way. Later that year, Morey continued to add familiar faces by signing P.J. Tucker and Danuel House Jr. during the offseason.

“Eric is a proven shot-maker whose ability to create space and punish defenses that overextend will help solidify an already dynamic offense,” Daryl Morey said.

“He plays bigger as the moments get bigger, which will be key for our playoff run. I’ve known Eric for many years – he is devoted to his craft and continuously works on his game, allowing him to have such a long and successful career. We are lucky to have him in Philly,” Sixers President of Basketball Operations continued.

As reported by the-then The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the veteran point guard signed a 2-year contract with the Sixers in free agency. It would cost the Philly side $3.3 million in the first year to acquire his services, according to Spotrac. The second year, however, has a player option worth $3.4 million and the hooper could be on the market again, as soon as next season.

Eric Gordon had earlier opted out of a $3.4 million player option to remain with the Suns for the 2024-25 season. In the 2023-24 season, the veteran guard played 68 games for the Suns, averaging 11.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.0 steals.

Eric Gordon’s career earnings so far

Throughout his NBA career, this veteran hooper has amassed an impressive $186.5 million in total earnings, while playing for 4 different franchises, excluding the Sixers. Starting in 2008, he entered the league with the Los Angeles Clippers, drafted 7th overall, earning $2.6 million in his rookie season. His salary continued to increase as his performances bettered and the hooper’s value grew.

Marginal increments meant he was making $3 million in his 3rd year in the NBA. The next season, he joined the New Orleans Pelicans (Hornets). By 2012, he saw his earnings jump to $13.6 million, a $10 million increase!

With the Pelicans, his earnings rose to nearly $15 million by 2014, and this upward trend continued through 2015, with his annual salary hitting $15.5 million. In 2016, he signed with the Rockets, where he continued his high-earning years. The same season had the hooper bring home the Sixth Man of the Year title, which further boosted his worth.

By 2021, he was bringing in $18.2 million annually, marking the peak of his earnings with Houston.

In 2022, Eric Gordon’s earnings dropped to $12.9 million, but his experience and contributions kept him valuable in a veteran role. Moving to the Suns in 2023, he accepted a reduced salary of just over $3 million as he adapted to a new position on the roster.

The Sixers expect him to earn $3.4 million in his projected final active season in 2025, bringing his total career earnings to an impressive $186.5 million. Daryl Morey and Co. are counting on the former Sixth Man of the Year to bring consistent shooting off the bench and to contribute with his veteran leadership in the locker room, amidst their plunge for the NBA ring.