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NBA Trade Rumors: 3 blockbuster trades that should happen, but won’t

By Ben Stern

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 22: Tobias Harris #34 of the Detroit Pistons reacts to a second half three point basket while playing the New York Knicks at Little Caesars Arena on December 22, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 104-101. 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)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 22: Tobias Harris #34 of the Detroit Pistons reacts to a second half three point basket while playing the New York Knicks at Little Caesars Arena on December 22, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 104-101. 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) /
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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)
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) /

Clippers embrace the tank

Clippers receive: SF Kelly Oubre Jr., C Marcin Gortat, PF Jason Smith, Wizards’ 2018 first round pick (Unprotected)

Wizards receive: C DeAndre Jordan

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Why the trade should happen:

Coming into the season, the Wizards were expected to compete against the top teams in the eastern conference. This has not come into fruition, as an injury sidelined John Wall early on, and Bradley Beal has not quite made the leap to stardom many speculated he would.

To make matters worse, internal turmoil has has plagued the team all season, as the infamous “players only meetings” seem like a weekly occurrence. The Wizards need a spark to rejuvenate their roster and to reposition themselves as one of the east’s most feared teams.

What better way to accomplish that than to pull off a blockbuster trade for DeAndre Jordan. Jordan’s name has been thrown around the rumor mill, as reports have surfaced that the Clippers have made him available for trade. The all star is one of the league’s most feared rim protectors, and would form a tantalizing pick and roll duo with Wall.

The Wizards rank well below league average in defensive rebounds per game, opponents second chance points and opponents points per game in the point. Acquiring DeAndre Jordan would not only fix these weaknesses, but would make the, strengths.

A lineup featuring Wall, Beal, Jordan and porter may ultimately be enough for the Wizards to come out of the east when the dust settles. While it may seem like the Clippers are getting the short end of the bargain here, which is often the case when a team trades a star, they do walk away from this trade with some nice pieces. Oubre is one of the league’s most underrated young talent, as he has continued to improve and show flashes of stardom in his three seasons in the league.

He possesses game changing athleticism, and when you pair that with his 40% three point shooting clip, he has the makings of a future star in this league. The Clippers also gain a formidable, yet temporary DeAndre Jordan replacement in this trade. The veteran Gortat has proven throughout his career that he can contribute on a nightly basis. His attitude and basketball IQ will make him a valuable mentor to whomever the Clippers draft this summer, and he will bring a calming veteran presence to the organization.

There is vertically no chance that DeAndre resigns when he becomes an unrestricted free agent, so the Clippers might as well take what they can get, rather than letting him walk for nothing.

Why the trade won’t happen:

While Oubre is certainly a nice piece, a packaged centered around him may not be enough for the Clippers to pull the trigger. A few weeks ago, the Wizards probably would have been able to poach Jordan from the Clippers for 10 cents on a dollar, but the surging Clippers are now in a playoff position, and are no longer in “tank mode”.

Jordan doesn’t seem to be a part of the Clippers’ long term plan, but that doesn’t mean they are in any rush to trade him for package far below his value.

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