The Washington Wizards are looking to improve their roster and increase the likelihood that they’ll advance deep in the playoffs. After John Wall went down with an injury, the Wizards are exploring trade possibilities to keep other teams in the Eastern Conference from gaining ground on them in the standings.

One potential trade partner for them is the L.A. Clippers who are now rebuilding in the wake of the Blake Griffin trade. A trade for DeAndre Jordan is actively being discussed with teams around the league, each of them lining up for the chance to acquire the former All-Star. And the Wizards want to be a part of the discussion.

According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, the “Wizards have investigated the market for Jordan without gaining any traction, sources say. A package of Marcin Gortat, Jason Smith (perhaps heading to a third team), Kelly Oubre and a first-round pick has long been my favorite realistic Jordan package. Oubre is up for an extension after this season. Washington will have trouble paying Oubre, Bradley Beal, John Wall, and Otto Porter.

Of course, they'd also have trouble paying Jordan, Beal, Wall, and Porter. (They could trade Porter, but it's unclear if the Clippers have any interest.) Interest leaguewide would be higher if Jordan signaled he might opt into his deal for next season, but that hasn't happened, sources say. The salary mechanics between Washington and LA are tricky; the Wiz are over the tax, the Clippers barely under it.”

Jordan has the chance to help the Wizards become a title-contender in a weakened Eastern Conference. A starting lineup with Wall, Beal, Porter, Markieff Morris, and Jordan would be devastating and could catapult the team to near the top of the East standings.

This looks like a shot worth taking if Jordan agrees to stay with the team beyond this season. Otherwise, this is going to cost the Wizards’ future with a gamble that they are not willing to take regardless of the short-term benefits.