Report: Clippers not close on extension for DeAndre Jordan

It's not necessarily a given that the Los Angeles Clippers will offload DeAndre Jordan's expiring contract at the upcoming trade deadline.

Jordan's reportedly had "a couple" of dinners with Clippers team owner Steve Ballmer to discuss a potential contract extension, but they are not close to a deal, according to Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times.

The 29-year-old has played his entire 10-year career with the Clippers, blossoming from an overweight prospect into one of the league's most fearsome lob finishers and a premium shot blocker. He earned his first All-Star nod last season and is leading the league in field-goal percentage for the sixth straight season.

Jordan wants to stay in Los Angeles, but he understands that it's a business. The Clippers are performing below expectations due to a spate of injuries, and the franchise may look to cash him in for future assets.

"Whatever they decide to do, they decide to do. I can't control that. I can only play basketball and that's what I do. My love for the game will be wherever. For me, the most important thing is being wanted and appreciated where you are. And wherever that is, I'm going to be happy. And if it's here, that's amazing," Jordan said.

He's been named as a trade target for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Houston Rockets.