Los Angeles Clippers DeAndre Jordan says trade rumors are sign of respect

For the past two seasons, Los Angeles Clippers big man DeAndre Jordan has been the subject of trade rumors.

And while most players tend to struggle when the uncertainty of trade talks begin to swirl, Jordan takes a more positive approach, suggesting that any rumors are a sign of respect:

"In Jordan’s mind, interest from other NBA teams meant he was desired in a way perhaps the Clippers didn’t feel at times this offseason. As the Clippers pursued Kevin Garnett, Jordan was ready to move on if they pulled off a deal – and he took all the supposed interest as respect out of franchises.“If I go, that just means that, honestly, somebody else wants you,” Jordan told RealGM on Tuesday. “As long as someone else is interested, and you’re wanted, you can’t feel negative. I never listened to the s— on the news or the radio. I just wanted to get better and be ready for the season. Whatever jersey I had on, I really didn’t care to be honest with you.“And if I got traded, then s—, so what? I’m still going to be in the NBA. I’m still going to be playing the game that I love, just for a different team.”"

While Jordan does have a point – if it’s a sign of respect from the inquisitive team, is it a sign of disrespect from the team trying to trade you?