NBA Trade Rumors: Charlotte Bobcats Hoping To Move Ben Gordon? Shooting Guard Argues With Head Coach Mike Dunlap; Brooklyn Nets Still Interested?

By Greg Price | February 14 2013 1:26 PM

The Charlotte Bobcats are not only fielding calls for guard Ben Gordon, they are now actively dialing.

Reuters

Charlotte shooting guard Ben Gordon (M) has hit at least 40 percent of his three-pointers in seven of his eight NBA seasons.

Sponsorship Link

Gordon was reportedly ”disruptive” during a Charlotte practice on Monday, and was “baiting” head coach Mike Dunlap into an argument, according to a report by Yahoo! Sports Thursday.

Dunlap was gathering players around for a talk before practice, and Gordon refused to stop dribbling a ball that was drowning out his coach’s voice. Eventually team general manager Rod Higgins intervened, the report stated. Teams have until Feb. 21 to complete trades.

The eight-year veteran, who has shot 40 percent from three for his career, has been the rumored desire of the Brooklyn Nets. Brooklyn is one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the league, and could also use Gordon to perhaps light a fire under backcourt mates Deron Williams and Joe Johnson. Both have struggled throughout the season, and the Nets are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference.

However, Yahoo! stated the Bobcats did not suspend Gordon for his outburst, fearing it would diminish his trade value.

The Nets were reportedly offering forward Kris Humphries, who, like Gordon, makes $12 million this season. Humphries is owed another $12 million next season, but Brooklyn has also heard offers from other teams for promising second-year guard MarShon Brooks.

The third overall pick of the Chicago Bulls back in 2004, Gordon has played an average of 14 minutes in the Bobcats' last two games. He has also struggled with his shot, failing to hit double digits in five straight contests.

The Bobcats, currently last in the entire NBA with a 12-40 record, appear to be in a ceaseless rebuilding mode, which could have contributed to Gordon’s lash out. Last season, Charlotte posted the worst winning percentage in NBA history, going 7-59 in the lockout shortened year.

This is Gordon's first season with Charlotte, after he was traded by the Detroit Pistons during last year's draft. The former Connecticut star is averaging 12.6 points and 2.2 assists a game, but has hit more than 40 percent of his three-pointers in seven out of his eight career seasons.