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DeAndre Jordan Signing Opens Cavs, Clippers Trade Scenarios

By Jared Mueller

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Apr 14, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) posts up against Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

All of these deals have similarities to the Cavs-Clippers-Grizzlies 3 way, so they will all be here with less explanation. In all of these trades the Cavs would prefer Redick while the Clippers would prefer to include Crawford.

More players will have to be added to make salaries work but this is close enough to make things work.

The Indiana Pacers don’t want to keep Roy Hibbert at that big contract number he opted in to. A totally different kind of center for LA but he gives them rebounding and shot blocking. He might slow the team down some but maybe that is good for LA.

The Pacers get out from Hibbert’s huge deal, with only a 2nd round pick and Sir’Dominic Porter to show for it but they had hoped he would opt out so this works for them.

This trade would have to wait 30 days after the Cavs sign Porter to make it work but, as a 2nd round pick, the Cavs can be much more creative with his contract to help make the money work. Adding Redick for a 2nd and Porter is another steal, Crawford also wouldn’t be a bad consolation prize.

In place of Hibbert we put Nikola Pekovic. A bruising interior player who is a bit redudant for the Timberwolves and doesn’t fit the style of play they want with Andrew Wiggins. The big fella has some similarities to Hibbert but with a better offensive game and (far) less shot blocking. He would give the Clip some backbone for sure, something they seem to miss.

The T’Wolves don’t have to move him and the Clips would rather get Gorgui Dieng so the Clips and Cavs have to up the ante just a little to get what they want. The Wolves get 1st (from Cavs) and 2nd (from LA) Round picks and interesting prospect Cedi Osman for their future while the Cavs get Redick and big man Adreian Payne.

We end with an interesting one, one that doesn’t get the Clippers a center but gets them David Lee from the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors have basically promised to move Lee, and frankly would benefit from getting out from his salary. Helping their NBA Finals opponent Cavs and in state rival Clippers isn’t something they will love doing but getting a pick and a young player make it worth it.

For the Clippers a front court of Lee and Griffin makes for interesting company but a highly explosive offensive unit. They would still need to shop a bit for a center but embracing the NBA’s future of small ball could be fun in LA. Lee facilitates well from the low and mid post and moves well without the ball. His defense is terrible but his creative offense could help make up for it.

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With the Clippers only getting Lee, they only give up Crawford. The Cavs still add a playmaker with the ball in his hands, just not the shooter that J.J. is.

Golden State keeps their promise, gets out from under the contract and gets two assets to see what happens with. The Clippers at least add a big man and move out one of their surplus wing players while the Cavs answer one of their needs.

How Likely? Anything is possible in the NBA. The Pacers trade seems the most likely but possibly most difficult to pull off. The Lee trade is the most out of the box one while the T’Wolves probably want to move on from Pek but will protect their asset if they can.

Of these 5 trade options, thanks to DeAndre Jordan leaving LA, which do you like the best?

Next: Earlier Today: 5 Trade Scenarios for Cavs and Haywood's Contract