NBA Trade Rumors: Does a Tristan Thompson-DeAndre Jordan swap make sense?

NBA Trade Rumors: We explore whether a Tristan Thompson for DeAndre Jordan swap between the LA Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers would make sense

After a slow start to the season, the Cleveland Cavaliers have done their best to recover. Cleveland opened the season with a 5-7 record. Since then, they’ve won seven in a row to get to 12-7, good enough for third in the Eastern Conference.

Despite their recent run, it’s quite sure that the Cavs are going to need an upgrade at some point during the season to even compete with the likes of the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors on the NBA’s biggest stage. And something tells me that Isaiah Thomas, even if he returns to form, won’t be enough of an upgrade to tip the scales.

With the rumored potential deal out there that would have the LA Clippers, who are struggling themselves, and Cavs swapping Tristan Thompson and DeAndre Jordan – with a possible pick included somewhere – we should take a closer look.

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Does this trade make sense for both teams?

For the LA Clippers, it’s tough. The only way they should move Jordan is if they agree that it’s time to restructure or blow up the roster. Even though the Clippers have struggled out of the gate, I’m not sure they’re there yet.

Secondly, if you’re electing to restructure the roster I’m not sure swapping Jordan for Thompson is the best move. Jordan and Thompson are arguably the same player. Neither has a jump shot and both have made their mark in the NBA by blocking shots and cleaning up around the rim.

Sure, the Clippers get younger but I’m not sure if Thompson makes the team different enough for a straight up swap to make sense.

However, if the Cavs throw in a first-round pick, potentially the Brooklyn pick, then it makes a lot more sense. Though, don’t expect that to happen.

For the Cleveland Cavaliers, this is a no-brainer. If the offer presents itself to do a straight up swap involving Thompson for Jordan, you absolutely pull the trigger. Although, if forced to include the Brooklyn pick, you back down.

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Trading the Brooklyn pick shouldn’t be completely off the table, but if forced it should be moved for a better player. DeAndre Jordan is a really good player, but he’s simply not worth possibly a top 5 pick in the loaded 2018 NBA Draft.

On the surface, the Cavs should want to trade for DeAndre Jordan. Especially if he’s the best player on the trade market. But, at what cost? If it takes the Brooklyn pick, Cleveland should say no thanks.

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