Report: Clippers have explored trades for DeAndre Jordan

With rumors swirling that both Chris Paul and Blake Griffin could opt to leave the Los Angeles Clippers this summer, the franchise appears to be looking for an exit strategy for their third franchise pillar.

The Clippers have spoken to a few teams in an exploratory fashion concerning potential trades for center DeAndre Jordan, according to ESPN's Chris Haynes.

With over $114 million in salary commitments last season, the Clippers deployed the third most expensive lineup in the league. But with both Paul and Griffin able to decline their player options for the 2017-18 season, the franchise must decide whether to go all-in on another high-priced playoff run or break up the band.

Jordan will be paid over $22 million for the upcoming season, and has the ability to exercise a player option for over $24 million for the 2018-19 campaign.

The Phoenix Suns were allegedly approached by the Clippers about the possibility of acquiring Jordan. Under one proposed deal, the Suns would send the No. 4 pick in the 2017 draft and veteran center Tyson Chandler to Los Angeles for Jordan.

For now, it appears that the Suns are not interested in pursuing Jordan, nor are the Clippers seriously considering moving their three-time All-NBA center any time soon, per the LA Times' Brad Turner.

Still, in a young offseason that's already produced multiple blockbuster deals for All-Star centers, it wouldn't be a complete shock if the Clippers did decide to lean into the skid and divest from Jordan while the market's hot.