With the NBA trade deadline just three days away, the Cleveland Cavaliers continue to look for additional talent to not only bolster their roster, but also shake them from their current doldrums. One current target is Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan, though how serious their offer is remains open to debate.
Sam Amick of USA Today indicates that the Cavaliers offered their own first-round pick to the Clippers for Jordan, along with veterans Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith. In contrast, the Clippers are reportedly seeking the first-round selection the Cavaliers acquired in the Kyrie Irving deal:
“As it pertains to the Cavs’ interest in the Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan, a person with knowledge of that situation said Cleveland continues to offer only its own first-round pick and this kind of unwanted money in those stalled negotiations.”
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski appeared on the network’s radio and indicated that the Cavaliers won’t give up the pick they acquired without getting an elite talent in return:
“I think Cleveland’s standard right now on that (Brooklyn) pick is Paul George, who is not available and almost assuredly won’t be available this week,” Wojnarowski said. “Or a really good young player on a rookie contract. Let’s say, just hypothetically, a [Kristaps] Porzingis, a [Devin] Booker. But those players aren’t available and they don’t become available typically. So far what has fit the criteria Cleveland has had is not out there for them.”
Jordan could become a free agent in July, which would make any deal more problematic.
