DeAndre Jordan Signing Opens Cavs, Clippers Trade Scenarios

May 17, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets in game seven of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier today we went through a number of trade scenarios for Brendan Haywood‘s contract. With DeAndre Jordan deciding to leave the LA Clippers for the Dallas Mavericks, another group of scenarios has opened up for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The situation is new and fresh but we want to take a look at possible scenarios that could benefit both the Clippers and the Cavs.

First we need to take a look at the Clippers. After losing Jordan, LA currently has lost both of their centers from last year. They traded Spencer Hawes to acquire Lance Stephenson. Cavs fans know Hawes well from his brief stint on the team last year. While he isn’t a great starting center, he is big and talented.

The loss of Jordan via free agency is worse. The reigning rebounding champion of the NBA, he has been 3rd in the Defensive Player of the Year voting two straight years. Last year Jordan has a very unique stat line: 11.5 points, 15 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. Not the overly dynamic offensive player, Jordan finishes alley oops well and led the league with a 71% rate from the field. His free throw shooting was much worse, 40%.

As currently constituted, the Clippers only center is Ekpe Udoh. The 6’10” center out of Baylor, on his 3rd team in 5 years, played in 33 games for the Clips with less than a point and less than a rebound per game. His highest scoring average, 5.7, and rebounding average, 4.7, came in 2011-12.

If the season started today, Blake Griffin would see a ton of time at center with the Clips running out 3 guard sets with free agent addition Paul Pierce at the 4 spots.

The problem for LA, as it would have been for the Cavs is Kevin Love signed elsewhere, is that they don’t have the cap space to sign anyone. They could have a little of their exception left, depending on how the Pierce acquisition happens, and trade options.

Update: Since posting this article two ESPN employees posted trade scenarios that include the Cavs and players we included. Nene is the only center included that we did not have included here, mostly based on the idea that the Wizards won’t work with the rival Cavs:

So we aren’t far off here, whether the Cavs can get Redick instead of Crawford may be unlikely.

End Update

That is where the Cavs come in. DeAndre Jordan leaving LA has opened another door for the Cavs to improve their team. Here are some trade scenarios that we find intriguing:

Next: Trade Andy