Report: Clippers have spoken to Pistons about DeAndre-for-Drummond swap
The Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly exploring trade options involving center DeAndre Jordan, and in exchange they seem to be looking for players who ... can replicate what DeAndre Jordan does.
The Clippers have spoken to the Detroit Pistons about acquiring Andre Drummond in a potential Jordan trade, ESPN's Brian Windhorst said Wednesday on "The Jump."
Jordan and Drummond have highly similar skill sets - namely: rebounding, blocking shots, rolling to the hoop, and finishing lobs - and, like Jordan, Drummond would offer a devastating pick-and-roll complement to Chris Paul (assuming Paul is even back next season). But Jordan has been the vastly superior defender, offering better positioning and patience as a rim protector. He cracked the All-Defensive first team in 2015 and 2016, and has been an All-NBA center the past three seasons.
As Windhorst points out, the Clippers may be thinking of the long-term implications of a potential deal. Drummond is five years younger than Jordan, and locked up for longer. Jordan can opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent after next season, while Drummond is signed through at least 2019-20.