The Los Angeles Clippers sent shockwaves through the NBA on Monday by sending five-time All-Star forward Blake Griffin to the Detroit Pistons for a bevy of young players and some draft capital.
It’s a clear indication that the Clippers are going into full-scale rebuild move less than seven full months after signing Griffin to a massive extension.
Long bandied about as a trade chip, the Clippers are now reportedly looking to move All-Star big man DeAndre Jordan prior to next week’s trade deadline. In addition to this, veteran Lou Williams could also be moved for young assets.
Sources: Clippers will continue to pursue packages of young players and picks in talks for DeAndre Jordan and Lou Williams.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 29, 2018
While Jordan has been on the block for some time now, it seems Monday’s events could expedite a deal. That’s only magnified by the fact that the two sides are not close on a contract extension. Jordan will likely opt out of his contract this summer, meaning Los Angeles would face the possibility of losing him for nothing.
Also a free agent this coming summer, the 31-year-old Williams is in the midst of a career-best season. He enters Monday’s action averaging 23.5 points while shooting nearly 40 percent from three-point range.
Both players would bring in a nice return to go with the assets Los Angeles acquired in the Griffin trade earlier on Monday.
It will be interesting to see what comes of this between now and the February 8th NBA trade deadline.