Since Jan. 1, DeAndre Jordan ranks fifth in rebounds (12.9 per game), third in field goal percentage (71.6), seventh in defensive rebound percentage (32.4) and fifth in rebounding percentage (23.1) among starters. All of which prove the veteran center is still a valuable defensive commodity and strong finisher around the basket — even though his 1.1 blocks per game are his lowest figure since 2013-14.

Jordan remains one of the names often bandied about in trade rumors, something that has been true for him for the last few seasons. Ideally, Jordan would like to stay with the LA Clippers, but he also wants a contract extension from them, too. The latter point hasn’t exactly taken flight with the team, writes Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times, and Jordan remains on watch for a trade if it comes:

He and the Clippers are not close to a contract extension, and Jordan has been mentioned in trade rumors as the Feb. 8 deadline approaches.

Recently, Jordan has had dinner with Clippers owner Steve Ballmer a couple of times to discuss his future and talked with the team a few times about an extension, but the sides are not close to an agreement.

…

“The trade deadline is coming up,” Jordan said. “I’ve heard my name in trade rumors the past three years. It is what it is. It’s a business sometimes. That’s what it is. When you think about it that way, your feelings don’t get involved too much.”

…

Jordan has led the league in field-goal percentage the past five years, a feat accomplished by only Shaquille O’Neal (1997-2002) and Wilt Chamberlain (1964-69). He’d be the first to do it for six straight seasons.

…

“Whatever they decide to do, they decide to do,” Jordan said. “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. If not, then it’s a business sometimes.”

* * *