Toronto Raptors: Is DeAndre Jordan worth pursuing?

According to ESPN, the Los Angeles Clippers are looking to trade DeAndre Jordan. Should the Toronto Raptors attempt to make a deal for the 2017 All-Star?

On Tuesday, word came out that the Los Angeles Clippers were surveying the landscape for a potential DeAndre Jordan trade. On a local level, this naturally leads to the question of if the Toronto Raptors should contact the Clippers, in an attempt to negotiate a deal?

In order to answer this question, there are several factors to consider. This includes asking what it would take for the Raptors to secure the services of Jordan?

To get some idea, look no further than a report from ESPN‘s Chris Haynes, who first broke the news about the Clippers’ plans. According to the NBA reporter, they have spoken to several teams about the 2017 All-Star, including the Phoenix Suns.

Haynes goes on to write that the Clippers asked for Tyson Chandler and the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft, in exchange for Jordan. The Suns were believed to have balked at this proposal.

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With this in mind, what would the Raptors realistically have to offer to the Clippers, to entice them to part company with Jordan? Haynes says there are two specific aspects to consider.

The first, is the Clippers’ wish to get younger, after having the oldest average age of any team during the 2016-17 season. The second relates to the organization having no picks for the upcoming draft.

Starting with the draft, the Raptors only have one pick themselves, at number 23. With the draft taking place on June 22, there probably just isn’t enough time to come to an agreement.

As such, assuming no other team makes a deal with the Clippers between now and Thursday, the Raptors would have to offer draft picks from future years. As an example, Toronto hold first and second round picks for both the 2018 and 2019 drafts.

Turning to the age aspect, Jonas Valanciunas could prove to be a key component. He’s young (25), talented and the Raptors have repeatedly been linked to rumors indicating they would like to trade him. (He is an excellent player, but it is clear he doesn’t fit into Dwane Casey’s system.)

Another option is DeMarre Carroll. However, he figures to be a tougher sell, due to his age (30) and not really living up to his reputation during his tenure in Toronto.

It is possible the Raptors could offer both players, especially when considering Jordan’s salary for next season, which will be $22.6 million. Valanciunas and Carroll will earn just over $30.2 million combined during the 2017-18 campaign. (Admittedly this may be too much, with the Clippers hoping to re-sign both Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.)

Of course there are other players to consider as well, especially with the Raptors’ logjam at the point guard position. However, Jordan’s contract is an important aspect to consider by itself, when deciding whether to pursue him.

While the 28-year old may have two years remaining on his deal, his second year is a player option. Essentially, he could walk away from the Raptors after just one season, making any move that much more risky.

Ultimately, the main question the Raptors really have to ask is whether Jordan immediately makes them more competitive? In other words, would he strengthen their attempts to overcome the Cleveland Cavaliers in a playoff series?

The reality is Jordan will probably not end up in Toronto. Regardless, if Masai Ujiri and company believe the Houston, Texas native can help them, it can’t hurt to make the appropriate inquiries.

Next: Kyle Lowry fires back at media

If you were in the Raptors’ position, would you attempt to make a move for Jordan? And if so, what do you believe it would realistically take to get a deal done? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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