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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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 03: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors and Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Washington Wizards exchange words in the second half at Verizon Center on March 3, 2017 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

The Dark Horses

Washington and Toronto could each use an upgrade in the middle and unlike Boston would cherish the feather in the cap that a Finals appearance would represent. Each potential move comes with complications though.

Toronto has several intriguing young pieces that could both help the Clippers win now and make them feel better about the future. Valanciunas’ $15.5 million salary would also make the money work easily. The problem is that the next first rounder the Raptors are able to move may not convey until 2025 thanks to the heavy protections on the pick dealt to Brooklyn in the DeMarre Carroll trade. LA would need to be comfortable not getting a draft asset back in the swap.

Washington, on the other hand, does have its own first rounder. They also have Marcin Gortat’s $12.7 million salary and enough cap filler to make the financials work. The problem with any theoretical deal here is that the Wiz are painfully short on young talent.

Kelly Oubre has become vital to the Wizards success this year, and moving him would make an already thin bench beyond untenable. Still, an opportunity to roll out a Wall/Beal/Porter/Morris/DJ starting five would be nearly impossible to pass up.