The Cleveland Cavaliers are interested in trading for Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan to boost their frontline and beef up their roster in case they meet the Golden State Warriors anew in the NBA Finals. However, the Cavaliers need to part ways with the Brooklyn Nets’ 2018 first-round pick if they want to get Jordan, per Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
The Cavaliers acquired the pick from the Boston Celtics in the Kyrie Irving trade. Aside from the pick, the Cavaliers got Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and a 2020 second-round pick.
In addition, Pluto said the Cavaliers would have to trade big men Tristan Thompson and Channing Frye to the Clippers to match the salaries. Jordan will make $22 million this season and $24 million next season while Thompson and Fyre are set to earn $16.4 million and $7.4 million, respectively.
After Gil Alcaraz IV of Hoops Habit reported that the Clippers might trade Jordan before the deadline, several teams have expressed interest in the 6-foot-11 center, who was drafted 35th overall by the Clippers in 2008. Jordan has career averages of 9.3 points, 10.4 boards, and 1.8 blocks in 711 games with the Clippers.
Jordan a huge defensive presence
The Cavaliers need to beef up their defense as they 21st in terms of points allowed, yielding 107.2 points per game to opponents.
Jordan’s presence in the shaded lane will make a difference for the Cavaliers, especially if they reach the NBA Finals for the fourth straight season. The 29-year-old Jordan is averaging 11.5 points, career-high 15.2 rebounds and 1.0 block per game for the Clippers this season. In his career, Jordan has been selected to the All-Defensive First Team twice.
Thompson, for his part, has played in just 18 contests this season due to injury, averaging career-lows 4.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.
Cavaliers might not give up pick
However, the Cavaliers are not keen on giving up the pick for Jordan or any other player as of now. According to an earlier report by Sean Deveney of Sporting News, the Cavaliers plan to use the pick as backup in case LeBron James leaves the team after this season.
Deveney said the Cavaliers are willing to enter into a trade this season, but the Nets’ first-round pick will not be included in talks, which he describes as “Plan B for the LeBron stuff.” The Brooklyn pick is dependent on how the Nets will perform this season. The Nets currently have a 15-24 record, 12th in the Eastern Conference.
