NBA Trade Rumors: Big names recently added to block before 2018 deadline

Tristan Thompson, C, Cleveland Cavaliers

Random names just keep popping up as we inch closer to February’s trade deadline. As the rumors surrounding Los Angeles Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan (which I previously covered) began heating up, a particular Cleveland Cavaliers big man entered the conversation.

According to a number of sources, Tristan Thompson could potentially be the centerpiece of a package the Cavaliers could put together to acquire Jordan. It may seem like a rather off-the-wall move, but it’s just the type of blockbuster deal Cleveland may need to convince LeBron James to stay past this season.

Here’s more from Lawrence:

"“The Cavs have been linked in recent days to the Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan, another defensive big and who would help shore up that end of the floor… The trade pieces would revolve around Tristan Thompson, along with Iman Shumpert and Channing Frye.”"

Cleveland.com’s Joe Vardon also added this little tidbit during a mailbag piece:

"“A league source believes this move, Jordan for Thompson, is one the Cavs would consider. How the Brooklyn pick figures in remains to be seen (Cleveland also has its own No. 1 pick), but if the Cavs felt Jordan was the only piece missing for them to take down the Golden State Warriors they’d have to consider this.”"

My only concern here is how the Cavaliers would make moving on from Jordan worth the Clippers’ time. They could obviously throw in the Brooklyn Nets’ 2018 first round pick, but that could mean parting with a pick that lands somewhere in the top five. With James potentially leaving this offseason, they’ll need all the draft assets they can get if a rebuild becomes necessary.

Next: Big names most likely to be dealt before deadline

However, if they can come to terms on a mutually beneficial deal, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Jordan-for-Thompson swap. Los Angeles needs more building blocks as the wheels start to fall off, and the Cavaliers need one more star to help them outlast the Boston Celtics in the East.