According to Marc Stein, the Portland Trail Blazers have engaged the LA Clippers in trade talks for All-Star Center DeAndre Jordan.
Stein tweeted Monday that the Trail Blazers are among teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers that have engaged the LA Clippers in trade talks for DeAndre Jordan. However, none of the teams have offered a trade proposal for Jordan at this time.
Adding another team to the mix is certainly intriguing for the Clippers, who will now have more options in terms of return. The Trail Blazers feature a star-studded backcourt of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, each of whom the Clippers should eye in their counteroffer, assuming Portland makes their own. LA could also take a look at Jusuf Nurkic, if they desire a replacement for Jordan.
Portland can offer a more convincing package for the big man than Cleveland and Milwaukee. The Cavaliers are reportedly looking to unload the contracts of Tristan Thompson, J.R. Smith, and Channing Frye, while the Bucks don’t present much trade value outside of Malcolm Brogdon, Khris Middleton, and John Henson. However, Cleveland can offer the Brooklyn Nets’ first-round pick, which makes them a front-runner.
The Clippers are in a bind when it comes to Jordan, and a decision must come soon. LA can choose to deal their longest-tenured player and push for the playoffs with a “win now” return, or continue to plead for Cleveland’s pick and try to secure a coveted prospect from a deep upcoming draft class.
Jordan is averaging 11.8 points and 14.9 rebounds per game this season. His defensive abilities are his main selling point, as he’s earned NBA All-Defensive honors twice during his career. He also was largely responsible for Team USA’s Gold Medal victory in the 2016 Olympic Games.