The LA Clippers have completed a three-team trade with the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies. As part of the deal, the Clippers acquired Eric Gordon and three second-round draft picks. Memphis received Luke Kennard and Houston received John Wall.
“Eric is a proven and dependable two-way guard who can initiate an offense, play pick-and-roll, and space the floor,” said Frank. “He started his career with the Clippers 14 years ago and we’re thrilled to welcome him back.”
Gordon, 34, appeared in 47 games for the Rockets this season, averaging 13.1 points, 2.9 assists and 2.1 rebounds. Originally selected by the Clippers with the seventh overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, Gordon has appeared in 796 career games with the Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans and Rockets. The Indianapolis native was named to the 2008-09 All-Rookie second-team after averaging 16.1 points, 2.8 assists and 1.0 steals. Gordon was named the 2016-17 Sixth Man of the Year while averaging 16.2 points, 2.5 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 31.0 minutes. Gordon attended Indiana University and was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2008, averaging 20.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists that season. Before attending college, Gordon was named Indiana’s Mr. Basketball in 2007 and selected as a McDonald’s All-American.
“Luke is recognized as one of the premier shooters in the NBA, but he is much more, a skilled creator and a selfless teammate who consistently makes the right play,” said Frank. “In three seasons with us, Luke hit a lot of big shots, but his contributions extend far beyond the three-point line.”
Kennard, 26, appeared in 35 games with 11 starts for the Clippers this season, averaging 7.8 points and 2.4 rebounds while shooting 44.7% from behind the arc. The 6-foot-5 guard has appeared in 332 career games with averages of 9.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists while shooting 42.7% from three over six seasons with the Pistons and Clippers. Kennard was selected 12th overall by the Pistons in the 2017 NBA Draft after attending Duke University.
“John is among the best point guards of his generation and we benefited from his presence this season,” said Frank. “He remains a one-man fast break, as well as a student of the game, and we all learned from him.”
Wall, 32, appeared in 34 games with three starts for the Clippers this season, averaging 11.4 points, 5.2 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 22.2 minutes. The Kentucky alum has appeared in 647 career NBA games with averages of 18.7 points, 8.9 assists and 4.2 rebounds over 11 seasons with the Washington Wizards, Rockets and Clippers. Wall was the first overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft and was named to the 2010-11 All-Rookie First Team. In 2014-15, he was named to the All-Defensive Second Team, and in 2016-17, he was an All-NBA Third Team selection after averaging career-highs in points (23.1) and assists (10.7).