Clippers: Why the Marcin Gortat trade makes sense for both franchises

WASHINGTON, USA - DECEMBER 15: Los Angeles Clipper DeAndre Jordan (6) and Washington Wizard Marcin Gortat (13) go for a rebound at the Capital One Arena in Washington, USA on December 15, 2017. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, USA - DECEMBER 15: Los Angeles Clipper DeAndre Jordan (6) and Washington Wizard Marcin Gortat (13) go for a rebound at the Capital One Arena in Washington, USA on December 15, 2017. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, USA – DECEMBER 15: Los Angeles Clipper DeAndre Jordan (6) and Washington Wizard Marcin Gortat (13) go for a rebound at the Capital One Arena in Washington, USA on December 15, 2017. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, USA – DECEMBER 15: Los Angeles Clipper DeAndre Jordan (6) and Washington Wizard Marcin Gortat (13) go for a rebound at the Capital One Arena in Washington, USA on December 15, 2017. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Filling a hole

The main reason the Clippers made this move? They needed insurance for if and when DeAndre Jordan decides to leave. There have been rumors that DeAndre may opt-in to facilitate a trade, but the consensus seems to be he will be gone.

With no money available, the Clippers get a proven starting center in Marcin Gortat. Gortat does everything at a serviceable level, so he will be easy to plug into the Clippers’ starting lineup. Don’t expect him to be outstanding as his production has dropped off over the past few years and he is 34 years old, but the team could have a lot worse of an insurance policy for one season.

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