NBA Trade Deadline 2018: 5 DeAndre Jordan trades the Clippers would have to consider

2. The Clippers look at the future

Trail Blazers get: DeAndre Jordan

Clippers get: Blazers 2018 first round pick, Meyers Leonard, Ed Davis, Zach Collins, Caleb Swanigan

In a possible deal with the Trail Blazers, the Clippers could also negotiate with more of an eye on the future. Taking on Leonard is unavoidable in order to make salaries work, but Davis is an expiring contract the Clippers can take off their books this summer. Collins, while not shining as a rookie, is an agile 7-foot big man with potential who is under control for the foreseeable future at a low cost. Caleb Swanigan is included as a throw-in, but he’s had a few strong performances in the G League this year while on assignment with the Canton Charge.

The sticking point of this deal might be the Blazers’ first round pick included in the deal, but the Clippers can likely get that included in the deal. If the Trail Blazers acquire Jordan, they’re likely planning on re-signing him and paying him for at least the next few years, making shedding salary all the more important. A 2018 first round pick isn’t tying up a ton of cap space, but every little bit helps.

In a separate deal, the Clippers could send Avery Bradley to Portland so the Blazers get a little extra depth for this season. They also have a trade exception worth $12.9 million created in the Allen Crabbe deal that has to be used at some point.