New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com - Eric Gordon Trade Ideas for the New Orleans Pelicans

We know this time of year as "winter." Eric Gordon knows it as "trade season."

Whenever Feb. 19 rolls around, the 26-year-old shooting guard is perennially mentioned in all kinds of pre-deadline buzz.

However, this year, Gordon’s fourth with the New Orleans Pelicans, talks have been relatively quiet.

On Feb. 13, Gordon told Jimmy Smith of The Times-Picayune that the Pels gave him "word that they’re not trying to make a move."

Here’s more from the 6’4” shooter:

I'm never worried about ever getting traded. I'm just here to play basketball. I've been playing well and showing the team what I can do. When you put the ball in my hands and force me into situations where things get tough, or to make a play, I'm able to do that.

…

It's always good for a team [to] give you a word that they're not trying to make a move. You never know what can happen or what someone else's mindset is when they want to trade you. But I haven't thought about that. I just go out there and play.

Due close to $30 million over the next two years, Gordon is by far the highest-paid player in New Orleans.

Early this year, though, he didn’t play like it...at all.

The six-year vet started slow through the Pelicans’ first 12 games, contributing just 9.5 points and two assists while shooting 39.8 percent. But after missing the next 21 games with a shoulder injury, Gordon returned with a vengeance on Jan. 15.

Since coming back, he’s averaged 14.5 points (43.3 percent), 4.9 assists and three rebounds a game.

If the Pelicans want to trade Gordon, now is the time to sell high.

The following deals were created using ESPN's Trade Machine.

Begin Slideshow

More...