NBA trade rumors: 5 stars most likely to be dealt before deadline

3. DeAndre Jordan, C, Los Angeles Clippers

One week, it looks like a DeAndre Jordan trade is as good as done. The next, the Los Angeles Clippers are on the rise and have no interest in moving him. Pretty much, it’s just left us all without a clue as to what the future holds for the dominant big man.

While that may be the case, it still seems completely possible he’s dealt before Feb. 8. Jordan will certainly intrigue plenty of teams, and it’s clear the Clippers are no contender in 2017-18. Even if they do manage to work themselves into the top eight teams in the West, there’s no way they outlast the Golden State Warriors or Houston Rockets in a seven-game series.

With Jordan headed for the open market in 2018 anyway, the Clippers might as well get something for him. Letting him walk without receiving some sort of return could be devastating to this franchise. It’s imperative they either convince Jordan to stay or find a trade proposal worthy of his talents.

Then again, would the Clippers even want to re-sign him? Chances are he’ll be looking for a max deal, which is going to put them in quite the bind financially. With Blake Griffin already eating up a big chunk of their cap space, Los Angeles may not want to retain Jordan at that price.

It’s best to let him go, sending him to a team like the Cleveland Cavaliers where he can compete for a championship. It’s unfortunate for this franchise’s outlook, but it is what it is.