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Washington Wizards: Breaking down the DeAndre Jordan to D.C. rumors

By Matt Levin

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 3: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the LA Clippers reacts during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 3, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 3: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the LA Clippers reacts during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 3, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 3: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the LA Clippers reacts during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 3, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 3: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the LA Clippers reacts during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 3, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Examining potential trade scenarios for the Washington Wizards to acquire the Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan.

With the season potentially lost, Los Angeles Clipper’s all-star center DeAndre Jordan has been rumored to be on the trading block, with the Washington Wizards among the teams interested.

The Clippers are in a downward spiral. Even after losing star point guard Chris Paul over the summer, the Clippers were still hoping to compete for a playoff spot. However, about a quarter of the way into the regular season, the playoffs now seem like a long shot.

The Clippers are just 22 games into the season and four of their five starters have combined to miss 47 games.

Injuries have derailed the Clippers, as they have been basically playing on one leg for much of the season. Patrick Beverly is out for the season, after undergoing microfracture surgery in his right knee. Star power forward Blake Griffin sprained his MCL, sidelining him for two months. Danilo Gallinari has been hindered by a strained left glute for much of the season. Milos Teodosic went down in the second game of the season, injuring his plantar fascia.

Since October 28, the Clippers are just 4-14, enduring a 9 game losing streak in the process. It’s not surprising that the Clippers are just 8-14, tenth place in the Western Conference. With such a bad start to the season, the playoffs for the Clippers already feels out of reach.

DeAndre Jordan is one of the best centers in the league, averaging 10.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, and over a block per game. Jordan makes up for his poor free throw shooting, by having one of the best field goal percentages every season. This season, he’s shooting over 68 percent from the field, first in the NBA among qualified players.

Trading for Jordan is a gamble, as he’s set to hit the free agency market at the end of the season. No one wants to trade a lots of assets for a one year rental. As of now, the Clippers are asking for a high price. However, the Wizards do have the pieces to potentially make it work. ESPN‘s Zach Lowe mentioned two scenarios that would result in having Jordan join John Wall and Bradley Beal in the nation’s capital.

The first trade scenario is Marcin Gortat, Kelly Oubre, Jason Smith, and at least one unprotected first round pick for Jordan. This trade, while upgrading the center position, would leave the Wizards bench very weak once again.

The Wizards have seen from past experiences just how far a lack of depth on the bench will take them–not very far. Also, Oubre, a 3-And-D player, who’s able to drive to the basket and throw down a hammer with authority, is developing into a star before our eyes. This trade option is a lot to give up, especially for just a one year rental. The Wizards should hold off on this trade scenario as they can wait to sign Jordan or another star such as DeMarcus Cousins, in free agency this summer without giving up key assets.

The other trade scenario Lowe mentioned, was Otto Porter and a player with a small salary for Jordan. The Wizards last offseason re-signed Porter to a four-year max deal. So far, Porter has earned every penny of his paycheck. Porter, who is not available to trade until January, is averaging career highs in multiple statistical categories, averaging 15.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Porter’s also shooting an amazing 47.1 percent from three-point range, which is currently 10th in the NBA. Just like the first trade, this would be a hefty price for just a one year rental.

Trading for Jordan is certainly a risk. Adding Jordan to the payroll will put the Wizards severely above the salary cap (depending on the trade). It will also force Washington to trade potential future star players in Porter or Kelly Oubre. All of this for a player who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.

For now, bearing a deal the Wizards cannot refuse,  sticking with  Marcin Gortat seems like the best option. Gortat has consistently averaged nearly a double-double during his four-year tenure in Washington. The Wizards should try to pursue a star center through free agency, in which they wouldn’t have to give up any assets.

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