LeBron James and Tyronn Lue both reportedly wanted the Los Angeles Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan badly, but the deal couldn’t get done.
With the Cleveland Cavaliers struggling in the Eastern Conference Finals, reports have resurfaced on just how badly they wanted the Los Angeles Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan at the trade deadline. Specifically, LeBron James and head coach Tyronn Lue were pushing for the center.
In an article published by The Athletic, it’s mentioned that the Cavaliers didn’t do everything in their power to keep LeBron in Cleveland after this season.
"Now, however, they can no longer say they’re “All-In.” They cannot say they did whatever they could to keep LeBron here this time. Doing whatever they could to keep him would’ve meant dealing for DeAndre Jordan at the trade deadline, the rim-protecting center Lue coveted and James equally wanted badly. Instead, the Cavs hedged, collecting a group of twenty-somethings that can grow together in the event James is off to Houston or Philadelphia or Los Angeles or some other contender next season."
It’s hard to fault the Cavaliers front office for being hesitant to make the move. Even if the team had traded for Jordan, there is no guarantee that LeBron would stay in Cleveland. With the rumored trade request including the Brooklyn Nets lottery pick, it makes sense that they would not want to lose a future asset for an expiring center who they still may lose right alongside James during the offseason.
The Clippers were smart on not agreeing to the trade. If you remember, the Cavs wanted to only move their first round pick alongside both Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith. The Clippers, who had just traded Blake Griffin to free up cap space, did not want to take on those two contracts while only really gaining a late first round pick.
Future
So, does the news that LeBron really wanted DJ bode well for the Clippers?
Maybe.
LeBron has been rumored to want to come to Los Angeles. If he thinks DeAndre Jordan could be a key piece, why not just join him here?
Although this situation is unlikely, it does make the summer just a little more interesting, especially considering that LeBron hasn’t committed anywhere yet.
Keep checking back here during the summer as we track any and everything regarding the Los Angeles Clippers!