Cavaliers unwilling to move the Nets pick for DeAndre Jordan

The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently going through a slump as they struggle to get it done on either end of the floor. Some of their struggles can be solved in time, through internal improvement and integrating their new pieces into the lineup. But with the ultimate goal of beating the Warriors, the team has to constantly look to improve their existing lineup.

In a recent video, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski advised that DeAndre Jordan is a player the team has discussed dealing for. However, they do not view him as a player that can put them over the top and as a result, are unwilling to move the Brooklyn Nets draft pick in a deal for him.

You can view the video here:

Jordan has fallen off dramatically this season as a defensive player this season. The Clippers defensive rating is 6.7 points better with him off the floor last season, after being five points better with him last year. Plus. his rim protection numbers have fallen off, as he allowing 63.3 percent at the rim this year.

Even if his rim protection numbers were still good, it’s questionable whether or not he would be a good fit against the Warriors. He never has been a strong defender away from the basket, something that has been exposed in playoff series in the past.

With the Cavs in a position where trade assets are limited, they must make sure that they use those assets wisely. It’s not clear that Jordan would be a meaningful upgrade from Tristan Thompson, or one at all against the Warriors should Thompson continue to regain his form.

If the Cavs are going to move assets, especially their most valuable asset, then it needs to be for a package that helps how they matchup against the Warriors. It’s comforting to see that they realize that Jordan isn’t that player.