The Los Angeles Clippers looks ready to have a complete facelift in the coming months. The Clippers traded Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan is likely on his way out as well.
If the recent rumors are to be believed, Jordan could find himself moving to South Beach. According to The Ringer, there were discussions about a possible deal between the Clippers and the Miami Heat involving Jordan and Hassan Whiteside.
Why the Hassan Whiteside for DeAndre Jordan will happen
There is no concrete proof about the purported trade between Los Angeles and Miami.
However, a one-on-one deal involving two of the best centers in the league might make sense for both teams.
For the Clippers, getting Whiteside will give them another big man they can build around. The 28-year-old can provide what Jordan can give the Clippers but with a better offensive skill set, Sir Charles In Charge pointed out.
Whiteside is averaging 14.6 points and 11.9 rebounds on top of 1.8 blocks per game this season. His numbers are expected to improve or remain the same at worst in Doc Rivers’ system.
On the other hand, the Heat will not miss Whiteside much with Jordan in the roster. The 29-year-old center is averaging 11.8 points and 14.9 rebounds per game this season. The Texas native will help Miami stay in the playoff race in the weaker Eastern Conference.
And if the experiment fails, the Heat could just let Jordan go, as he could opt out of his contract in the offseason. By doing so, the Heat will get additional cap space to chase superstar free agents in the offseason. Heat president Pat Riley has proven he can make big moves if given the chance.
Why the Whiteside-Jordan trade might not happen at all
While the trade could bring positive effects to both franchises, it is unlikely to happen if Clippers head coach Doc Rivers remains firm on his current stance. Rivers addressed the recent rumblings about his team, insisting that they will not have a fire sale heading into the trade deadline, ESPN reported.
Rivers said that trading Griffin, who was considered the face of the franchise until the blockbuster deal, does not mean they will also trade their remaining key players. The veteran coach reiterated that they will continue to compete even with Griffin now out of the team.
It remains to be seen, though, if Rivers will have a say on trades if ever the Clippers receive another offer that can help them start a full rebuild. Aside from Jordan, recent NBA trade rumors also suggested that Lou Williams might be dealt before the Feb. 8 deadline.
