Eric Gordon’s time in Memphis appears to be ending before it ever really began.
The veteran guard, acquired by the Grizzlies in a recent salary-shedding move from the 76ers, is expected to be waived, according to league sources. It’s a transaction rooted more in cap management than on-court strategy - Gordon never factored into Memphis’ rotation plans and suited up for just six games this season.
At 37 years old, Gordon is on a veteran minimum deal with a modest $2.3 million cap hit, making him an easy contract to offload. Once waived, he’ll be free to sign with any team - with the exception of Philadelphia, due to league rules preventing players from returning to the team that traded them midseason.
This move doesn’t reflect on Gordon’s legacy as much as it underscores where he is in his career arc. He’s logged 18 seasons in the NBA, closing in on 1,000 games played, and has long been known as a dependable scorer and three-point threat. For years, he was the kind of player you could count on to space the floor and punish defenses that left him open - a key cog on playoff teams, especially during his time in Houston.
But the league moves fast, and Gordon’s role has diminished in recent seasons. He hasn’t been a consistent part of a rotation for a while now, and it remains to be seen whether a contender sees value in adding a veteran presence with his kind of experience and shooting pedigree.
For Memphis, this is about flexibility. With their season derailed by injuries and a roster in flux, the Grizzlies are clearly focused on the future - and that means clearing space, both financially and on the depth chart. Gordon, as respected as he is around the league, was never meant to be a long-term piece in their plans.
Now, the question shifts to what’s next for Gordon. He’s no longer the explosive scorer he once was, but for teams hunting for bench depth, leadership, and a guy who won’t flinch in big moments, he could still bring value in the right situation. Whether that opportunity materializes before the season ends is something to watch.