DeAndre Jordan is the hottest new name on the trade market, put there by the Clippers’ poor start, a slew of injuries to teammates and his body language as the season continues to crumble.
A Friday night report from Gery Woelfel says the Bucks are aggressively pursuing Jordan, with L.A. asking for John Henson, Malcolm Brogdon and Khris Middleton in return. Milwaukee may not be willing to part with all three, but it’s easy to see why the Bucks would like to add Jordan’s elite interior defense. They would become serious challengers to the Cavaliers and Celtics with a team built around Jordan, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Eric Bledsoe and Jabari Parker once he returns from from a torn ACL, which is expected in February.
But the Bucks aren’t the only team trying to acquire Jordan, Woelfel reports, as the Raptors, Wizards and Timberwolves have all expressed interest. Haley O’Shaughnessy of the Ringer sees Washington as a prime location, proposing a trade that would send Marcin Gortat, Jason Smith, Tomas Satoransky and a 2019 unprotected first-rounder to L.A. in return.
The other two locations are a tougher fit, as Toronto would probably want to unload center Jonas Valanciunas, who still has two more seasons and more than $34MM left on his current deal. Jordan would be an awkward match beside Karl-Anthony Towns in Minnesota and his addition would mean less playing time for Taj Gibson, who just signed with the Wolves this summer.
Another rumor, addressed last week by Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com, has the Cavaliers getting involved with a package of Tristan Thompson, Iman Shumpert and possibly the unprotected pick from the Nets. A league source told Vardon the Cavs would likely consider such a deal if they thought it would help them beat the Warriors.
Publicly, the Clippers are downplaying talk of rebuilding, but the prospect becomes more real as they sink in the standings. L.A. is 4-13 since a 4-0 start and currently sits in 10th place in the West, two and a half games out of a playoff spot. Patrick Beverley is out for the year, Blake Griffin is sidelined for two months and Danilo Gallinari and Milos Teodosic haven’t returned from early-season injuries. Jordan has a player option for next season worth $24,119,025 and could opt for unrestricted free agency if he thinks the Clippers’ best days are over.
We want to hear your opinion. If the Clippers decide to move Jordan, where would be the best fit and what should they ask for in return? Please leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Bucks should hang up the phone immediately if the Clips are asking for Middleton, Brogdon, and Henson.
Agree. IMHO he only thing Bucks need at the moment is a better head coach.
Middleton in exchange for Jordan straight up.
I think Henson & Middleton for salary matching. There would still be Brogdon & Snell (&GianA) for the wings. Clips need a PG– Bucks want to deal Dellevadova!
LA asking a crap load for a guy with diminishing numbers and skills. Top tier defender though. Biggest issue I see is other teams doing hack a Shaq on him if he goes to a contender. Cavs giving away all those players and nets oicknis simply absurd.
Way too many big men on the market for the Clippers to ask for a truck load in return.
Cavs demand Lou Williams get tossed in and give them that pick and shump, and triston
Bucks should not have to give up that much but I agree with the writer. Because of how they draft, they are long and talented, but a bit lightweight. With Bledsoe and maybe Jordan they would be more imposing & balanced. They figure to be more motivated than Cleve.
The Cavs went in a different direction with Love. I doubt they go after Jordan with their draft picks. The wings still need work. Backup Willie Reed would help possibly just as well.
Not Middleton. I’d give them Parker before Middleton. Middleton can score, pass rebound and play lockdown d
I would rather the Bucks take a chance on a young talent like Jahlil Okafor. But I would definitely welcome Jordan. Can’t give up that much for him though.