Clippers news: Three reasons it is time to move on from DeAndre Jordan
By Jason Reed
2. DeAndre Jordan is the missing link for multiple contenders
The NBA trade market is like that of a free economic market; it is governed by supply and demand. While Jordan may not be a superstar of Paul George or Carmelo Anthony‘s caliber, the Clippers could get even better trade returns out of contending teams that need a center. Luckily for LA, there are multiple contenders with said desire.
First, let’s start with the 2015 NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers. Cleveland has opted to move center Tristan Thompson to the bench to run a small lineup with Kevin Love at center. As great as Love can be rebounding the basketball, when he is matched against centers like Andre Drummond or Hassan Whiteside in the East, he will struggle.
The one missing piece for the Cavs is that dominant center and Jordan would be the perfect candidate. They would not need him to score a lot, just clean up the glass and provide that presence down low. For Jordan, I could see the Cavs sending a package including the Nets 2018 first round draft pick.
Other contenders such as the Boston Celtics or Washington Wizards could be sleepers for Jordan. Washington has Marcin Gortat, but would insert themselves in the title picture with Jordan. Boston has Al Horford, who is not the greatest rebounding center.
What those trade packages would look are unclear. However, Jordan is the perfect piece to add for multiple title contending teams. Which, in turn, drives up his value.