The Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks are both facing uncertainty in the middle as they head into the summer, following relatively disappointing ends to their seasons. Perhaps they can help each other out.
With DeAndre Jordan and Tyson Chandler - respective starting centers for the Clippers and Mavericks - set to hit unrestricted free agency, the Mavs' front office has kicked around the idea of a sign-and-trade that would see the two big men flip teams, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon.
Chandler, who won a championship with the Mavericks in 2011 and returned this past season after three years with the New York Knicks, has given no indication of how he plans to approach free agency. Jordan, on the other hand, has been open about the fact that he wants to explore his options, and has already been linked to the Mavs, with the two sides said to share mutual interest in a union.
Given the Clippers are hard up against the salary cap, and that the Mavericks could be as well (depending on how they play things with their other free agents, like Monta Ellis and Al-Farouq Aminu), a sign-and-trade could make logistic sense. For the Clippers, losing Jordan for nothing in free agency would likely mean having only the mid-level exception at their disposal to plug what would be a massive frontcourt hole.
Chandler is six years older than Jordan, and not quite the rebounder, shot-blocker, or overall athlete. But he fills the same role, is an equally adept pick-and-roll finisher, and arguably offers better man-to-man post defense. He also played dive man to Clippers point guard Chris Paul with great success for three seasons in New Orleans. Paul and Jordan reportedly had a falling out during the past season that may play a part in ushering Jordan out of Los Angeles.
The Mavs would reportedly insist the Clippers also take reserve point guard Raymond Felton - and his $3.9-million salary - in a potential sign-and-trade.
Jordan finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting this year. Chandler won the award in 2012.
