Cavaliers, Clippers still working on a deal for DeAndre Jordan

The Los Angeles Clippers are still looking to trade DeAndre Jordan, and the Cleveland Cavaliers remain the top team in pursuit of his services. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Cavaliers are now exploring the possibility of roping in a third team to help facilitate a trade.

Cleveland picked up a much-needed win over Minnesota Wednesday but has largely struggled, losing 13 of its previous 19 games while devolving into the league’s least effective defense. Jordan, a rim protector and shot-blocker, projects to help several of the Cavs’ issues. He is averaging 11.5 points, 15 rebounds, and a block per game.

Los Angeles and Cleveland just need to find a pathway to a deal. That has been the biggest issue.

Money! The Cavaliers have the league’s largest payroll and Jordan is schedule to make $22.6 million this season. The only player on the roster who matches that salary is Kevin Love, who is hurt and likely wouldn’t be a part of any trade for Jordan even if he wasn’t. Other players who have been mentioned in Cleveland trade talks are Tristan Thompson, Iman Shumpert, and Channing Frye.

That’s why the Cavs and Clippers need to find a third team to take back a contract to make this trade work, but as more teams become conscious of their financial future, fewer franchise are willing to take back long-term contracts with large salaries attached.

The Bulls, Mavericks, and Suns are teams that can absorb a contract as a third team in a trade, and the Grizzlies are another team that has been linked to this trade.

The NBA trade deadline is at 3 p.m. EST, which means Cleveland and Los Angeles have only a few hours to find a team that’ll help them execute this trade. Otherwise, the Cavaliers will have to improve from within, and the Clippers will have to either find another home for Jordan or risk him opting out and testing free agency this summer.