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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DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 20: Head coach Tyronn Lue of the Cleveland Cavaliers yells from the bench while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 20, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Cleveland won the game 116-88. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

The Frontrunners

The Cavs are like the drunk guy in the Bellagio at 3 am who has a thousand dollar chip in his pocket and keeps eyeing the craps table. Every ounce of good sense in him is screaming “stay away…this will not end well.” On one hand, there’s an elusive yet seemingly possible windfall; on the other, a trip back to Reno to move back into grandma’s basement.

The Nets pick is the Cavs’ Golden Ticket – a way to jump-start the rebuild that everyone knows is coming. If they’re smart, the pick isn’t on the table. If it is, the trade suggested by Sam Vecenie on his always excellent Game Theory podcast – the pick plus Tristan Thompson – would be perfect.

The interesting subplot here is that if Cleveland doesn’t pull the trigger, several other Eastern Conference teams could look it as an opportunity to jump into the deep end of the pool.