Cleveland Cavaliers not one of four teams interested in DeAndre Jordan

The Cleveland Cavaliers, who would have a dream team with DeAndre Jordan, were not in the four teams that are reportedly interested in him.

According to the Racine Journal Times’ Gery Woelfel, DeAndre Jordan has four team’s that are interested in him. Those are the Minnesota Timberwolves, Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, and Washington Wizards. Not only were the Cleveland Cavaliers not listed but three of the four teams listed are direct competition to the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference.

The Wizards and Bucks would be the two teams with the highest ceiling if they were able to acquire Jordan. However, if they wanted to play it, the Cavaliers do have the ultimate calling card in the 2018 Brooklyn Nets first-round pick. Currently, on a ten-game win streak, it’s doubtful the Cavaliers shake things up unless some unforeseen issues start to occur.

Jordan’s dilemma will be a huge situation to monitor around the Eastern Conference though. The Wizards and Bucks both have the assets to make a run for the All-Star center. As for Milwaukee, they’d most likely have to give up assets including guards Malcolm Brogdon and Khris Middleton and possibly a combination of picks too. For Washington, a combination of Kelly Oubre Jr., Otto Porter, and several picks could also do the trick. That said, both these teams have the ability to pull a trade off, but the Wizards seem to have the highest following a potential trade, especially with a pick-and-roll dominating point guard like John Wall leading the way.

As for Jordan himself, his numbers have dipped tremendously this season. Per 36 minutes, his points, rebounds, blocks, steals, assists, and field goal percentage are all down from last season. Jordan also a much lower rate of his made field goals assisted on. It seems that Chris Paul leaving Los Angeles and packing his bags for Houston this offseason might have had a much more adverse effect on Jordan than many would have thought.

Jordan’s main impact comes on the defensive end. Last season, the Clippers were significantly better defensively with Jordan on the court. Jordan’s defensive rating was 103.7, over two points lower than the Clippers overall rating. That’s even more astonishing since Jordan was on the court for about 32 minutes per game. Jordan and his defensive impact would be a huge addition for Cleveland, but I wouldn’t hold your breath. The Cavs would almost certainly have to use the Nets’ pick, which would be an interesting situation for GM Koby Altman.

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While the Cavaliers could use DeAndre Jordan, there is no need to panic. The Clippers’ asking price might be too much, and when that drops, the Cavaliers could sneak their way right into the race.