DeAndre Jordan ‘Leaning Toward’ Re-Signing With Clippers
USA Today
With less than 24 hours to go before NBA free agents can officially sign deals agreed upon, one of the biggest names on the open market is having a change of heart.
DeAndre Jordan had been on the fence about his decision in free agency with it eventually coming down to re-signing with the Los Angeles Clippers or joining the Dallas Mavericks. Ultimately, Jordan chose to leave Los Angeles, but now it appears he may have changed his mind.
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Marc Stein, Jordan appears to be leaning toward returning to Los Angeles rather than accepting the deal agreed upon with Dallas:
The Los Angeles Clippers are trying to persuade DeAndre Jordan to reconsider his decision to sign with the Mavericks after Jordan verbally committed to join Dallas last week, according to league sources.
Sources said Wednesday afternoon that Jordan is increasingly “leaning” toward a return to the team that drafted him, with the Clippers indeed optimistic he will stay in L.A.
With Jordan agreeing in principle to a four-year deal worth $80 million with Dallas, the veteran center seemingly on the fence about his decision in the 11th hour is surprising to say the least. Rumors have circulated over the last week or so about Jordan’s reasoning for leaving the Clippers. One of those reasons was his strained relationship with Chris Paul and the fact he didn’t believe the team would be in a good position two years down the road.
As for Dallas, Jordan will fill the void left by Tyson Chandler and will have a much bigger role with the Mavericks. Jordan will continue to be the third star on a team that could be blown up a year from now if he chooses to simply re-sign with the Clippers.
Los Angeles hasn’t been able to get beyond the second round of the playoffs with the current squad intact. It could be make-or-break for the Clippers next season with the team potentially making major changes if they can’t improve meaning there’s chance the roster may look much different in the near future.
