5. DeAndre Jordan
Amongst all the trade rumors that the Cavs have been included in recently, this one seems to have the most weight. The Los Angeles Clippers are on the verge of a rebuild at 20-21, and DeAndre Jordan would likely turn Cleveland’s interior defense from a weakness to a strength .
Jordan is currently averaging 11.9 points and 15.1 rebounds per game and is a two-time member of the NBA All-Defensive First Team. His huge frame is difficult for even the best offensive players to get around consistently, and he would likely relish the opportunity to play on a true contender after years of playoff disappointment in L.A.
Recent reports point to Cleveland’s willingness to part ways with Shumpert, Thompson, and a first-round draft pick in order to put Jordan in the Wine and Gold. Whether or not the Clippers would be willing to make the move for the Cavs’ own 2018 first-rounder, or if they would demand Brooklyn’s much more valuable pick remains unclear. What is clear, though, is that while this trade is still not entirely likely, it is perhaps the most probable blockbuster deal to take place before the NBA trade deadline passes. If it does, it would be hard not to consider the Cavs to be the sure-fire favorites to represent the Eastern Conference in the 2018 NBA Finals.
