LA Clippers: Examining the DeAndre Jordan trade market

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 17: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the LA Clippers reacts to a call by officials during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on November 17, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Clippers 118-113 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 13: Doc Rivers of the LA Clippers reacts from the sidelines during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Staples Center on November 13, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

What LA wants, and who wants DJ

The Clippers, presumably, will not be shipping DJ off for a protected second rounder. Even if they have no intention on paying his next contract, LA will require a return that either keeps them competitive, improves their future outlook, or both.

They will ask a lot for what is essentially a one-year rental. Sure, the team trading for him could be enamored with the idea of signing Jordan – a 29-year-old, 265 pound man who depends heavily on his athleticism – to his next contract, one that could start at $35 million annually. I could also be the Queen of France.

The team trading for DJ will be one with a win-now mindset. Let’s start with the most obvious candidate – the team with a need on defense that also fancies themselves legit contenders: Cleveland.