Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are universally known as the Los Angeles Clippers' top two players, but players and coaches believe the X-factor toward an NBA championship is DeAndre Jordan.

“He’s the key to our championship,” Matt Barnes said. “Teams have offensive threats, but when you have a 7-footer that can run the floor, rebound, block shots and change shots, he’s going to be the key.”

Jordan is entering the final year of his four-year, $43 million deal.

“It’s just another season. I don’t want to think about it like that,” Jordan insists. “I don’t think about it like that.”

Everyone knows the issue is there.

“It’s a free agent year. It’s a big year for our team,” Barnes said. “There’s a lot on his plate.”