DeAndre Jordan’s future with the Los Angeles Clippers is now in question following the recent trade rumors involving the All-NBA big man.

The 29-year old Jordan has the ability to leave $24 million (salary for the 2018-19 NBA season) on the table and hit the market as an unrestricted free agent next summer by opting out of the final year on his current deal. The athletic big has been mentioned in trade rumors since July, but interest in the center has become more intense over the past few weeks because of the Clippers recent struggle.

The Clippers just snapped a nine-game losing streak on Wednesday, the same day they learned that starting point guard Patrick Beverley would be out for the remainder of the season with a torn meniscus in his right knee.

Beverley’s season-ending injury dealt a big blow to the Clippers backcourt rotation, which has become thinner with playmaker Milos Teodosic still nursing plantar fasciitis.

With the Clippers playoff contention in serious jeopardy (especially in a brutal Western Conference), the team’s top executives will have to decide whether to keep the core intact or trade some of their stars to kick start some sort of a rebuild. The rumors surrounding Jordan as potential trade candidate aren't surprising at all mainly because he’s on a contract year and thus a flight risk for the Clips.

Watch out for the Cavs

According to Tim Bontemps of Washington Post, multiple teams contacted the Clippers for a possible trade involving Jordan.

Although the identity of these teams aren't mentioned, the usual suspects are the Phoenix Suns (the team that aggressively pursued Jordan days prior to June’s NBA Draft) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (the team that direly needs an elite rim protector).

While the Suns can woe the Clippers top-brass with a package consisting of promising young players, the Cavs have the Brooklyn Nets’ 2018 first-round pick to dangle in negotiations.

However, It’s too early to assume the Clippers are seriously considering a Jordan trade, but trade talks are expected to ramp up by February.

More trade rumors

Jordan Clarkson’s hot start (15.1 ppg on 48.7 percent FG/35.5 percent 3-point) has helped improve his trade value, giving the Lakers more leverage in possible trade negotiations.

Clarkson has taken a different approach this season, becoming more of a scorer in the mold of combo guards like Lou Williams, Will Barton and Jamal Crawford than a facilitator. Possible suitors: Portland Trail Blazers. They need some spark off the bench.

Kenneth Faried got his first start of the season after Paul Millsap injured his wrist. The spike in playing time presents an opportunity for Faried to enhance his trade value with the hope teams will start paying attention to his play. He’s not a rim protector, but his energy and versatility to guard frontline and backcourt players are something that could be of use for contenders. Possible suitors: Atlanta Hawks because they need to beef up frontline.
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