Valley of the Suns
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The Suns should trade for DeAndre Jordan

By Adam Maynes

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 22: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers blocks a layup against Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the basketball game at Staples Center February 22, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 22: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers blocks a layup against Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the basketball game at Staples Center February 22, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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So why Deandre Jordan?

LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 11: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers dunks the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors on December 11, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 11: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers dunks the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors on December 11, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) /

He’s not that old.

Jordan is 29-years-old right now and will be 30 at the start of next season. That’s kind of  old when compared to a roster full of very early 20-somethings. However, it’s not that old in basketball years – even for a center.

Jordan has not slowed down much at all and there is no reason to believe that he will be anytime soon. His scoring has dropped by two points this season, although he doesn’t have Chris Paul getting him the ball (more on that soon). However, his rebounding is still spectacular, and at 14.4 per game he is only .8 off of his career-high set four years ago. His blocked shots per game are nearing a career-low at 1.1 and those will likely stay at about there for the rest of his career, but his defense is regardless, undeniably still very good.

Moreover, his contract has a player option for 2018-19, for age 30. If the Suns could sign him to a 4-year max contract extension right away guaranteeing his services through 34, that would place him right at about the backend of his prime. (In 2022-23 Devin Booker will only be 25, and it’ll be a perfect time for the Suns to reinvigorate the roster as well by using empty cap space following Jordan’s contract expiration to go after more talent in trade and free agency, although all after having allowed Booker to finally taste success for the prior five seasons).

A good comp in what to expect of Jordan as he ages is Tyson Chandler who was acquired at the age of 33, a similar player in his prime to DeAndre, although Chandler was statistically not ever quite as good. Chandler still puts up good numbers for a team that if the Suns were any good, they would more greatly appreciate having his skill-set and defensive talents on the roster to help improve the team. Jordan will continue to produce at a reliable level for five full years, well worth the risk of his acquisition.

Whereas the Suns signed Chandler at 33, the Suns would get Jordan at 29, and have the opportunity to move on from him at 35, a perfect scenario for a mid-Booker-prime reinvigoration.

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