NBA Trade Deadline 2018: 5 DeAndre Jordan trades the Clippers would have to consider
DeAndre Jordan’s trade value is hard to gauge, be it for the Clippers or any team that may want to acquire him ahead of the trade deadline.
DeAndre Jordan undeniably has useful skills for any team looking for a defensive upgrade inside, but he is also likely to opt out of his contract this summer and demand a large contract for the next few seasons. Whoever has Jordan at the end of the season will certainly have a good player, but also someone who is likely going to take up a significant part of their cap space moving forward. That likely limits the number of teams who will bid on Jordan before Thursday’s trade deadline. And a team like the Bucks, who were reportedly interested but have since acquired Tyler Zeller, further limits the number of teams available.
Right now, it is unclear if Jordan is going to be traded or even how seriously teams are pursuing him. The Clippers are likely to at least hear some offers, though, so here are five offers for Jordan they’d have to strongly consider.
5. DeAndre Jordan to the Cavs, take one
Clippers gets: Cavaliers 2018 first round pick, Channing Frye, Iman Shumpert, Ante Zizic
Cavaliers get: DeAndre Jordan
The Cavs are one of the teams rumored to be interested in Jordan, which makes sense. Their defense is dreadful and they are currently lacking any rim protection. They are also one of a few teams that could talk themselves into paying Jordan after this season, particularly if they like how he fits with LeBron James. (This, of course, assumes James re-ups with the Cavs).
What the Clippers get in return here isn’t a great package, but it’s one of the best the Cavs can offer. The Nets’ pick is likely off the table for any Jordan deal, so they’d have to settle for the Cavs’ 2018 first round pick. Frye’s contract expires after this season and would offer immediate salary relief. Shumpert could come off the books as well if he declines his player option for next season. If he doesn’t, the Clippers could then look to flip him to a team with cap room. Zizic, a rookie who has spent a large portion of this season in the G League, is thrown in to make the math work, but he could be a useful center if developed correctly.
Is this a great return? No, but a pick and some salary relief isn’t a bad return for a player who could walk this summer.