2018 NBA Free Agency: Ranking the Cleveland Cavaliers top 25 options

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PORTLAND, OR – OCTOBER 27: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the LA Clippers reacts to a play against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 27, 2016 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /

No. 5: DeAndre Jordan– Jordan has opted out of his contract

The Cleveland Cavaliers expressed interest in DeAndre Jordan at the trade deadline last year. However, due to the Cavs unwillingness to trade the No. 8 overall pick which turned into Collin Sexton, no deal was ever finalized.

Now a free agent, the 6-foot-11 big man is expected to sign with the Dallas Mavericks with the Warriors in the chase, albeit Golden State can offer just a $5.3 million MLE. While Cleveland may be in the same situation, it’d be a true rivalry if Cleveland got a star like Jordan in free agency.

Jordan is coveted for his efficiency, his rim protection, and his rebounding. For the last five straight seasons, DJ has averaged over 10 rebounds per game, leading the league in two of those seasons. Another incredible feat is that in Jordan’s ten-year career he’s shot over 60% in every season.

Jordan may not have the shot blocking instincts of a player like Rudy Gobert, but he’s an elite athlete with the ability to protect the rim at all times.

If Jordan’s signs for less than a max, consider that team lucky. The 29-year-old just opted out of a $24.1 million contract, so expect him to cash in for a four-year or five-year max. However unlikely for Cleveland, they still had their chance at DJ; it was just at the trade deadline last season.