Jordan sticks with Clips
DeAndre Jordan spurns a commitment to the Mavs to remain a Clipper.
DeAndre Jordan backed out of a verbal agreement with the Dallas Mavericks to remain with the Los Angeles Clippers late Wednesday night.
Jordan made the switch after a face-to-face meeting at his Houston home with a contingent of Clippers including Blake Griffin and Paul Pierce, two people with knowledge of the situation told the Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity because of the NBA’s ban on public comments before players can sign contracts, starting at 11:01 p.m. Wednesday.
The Clippers announced Jordan’s deal late Wednesday night. They also sent out a tweet welcoming Jordan back to Los Angeles.
“WE’RE OFFICIALLY CENTERED,” the tweet read.
It was a surprising reversal for Jordan, the defensive pillar who agreed to a four-year, $80 million deal with the Mavericks last week.
The Mavericks and Jordan’s agents tried to reach him repeatedly while he met with the Clippers but were unsuccessful.
The Clippers were able to offer a fifth year on a max contract at more than $100 million. They also offer the familiarity of the only NBA team Jordan has ever played for, as well as a more talented roster, featuring point guard Chris Paul and Griffin.
Jordan has led the NBA in rebounding the past two years and is coming off career highs in scoring and rebounding at 11.5 points and 15.0 rebounds per game.
Dallas owner Mark Cuban was so confident he had landed Jordan that he went on a Dallas radio show this week and spoke about the role he would have in the Mavericks’ offense. Discussing the free agent before a contract was signed earned Cuban a $25,000 fine.
Odds and ends
The NBA salary cap was set for next season at $70 million, a higherthan-expected number. … The Hornets agreed to a contract with free-agent guard Jeremy Lin, who spent last season with the Lakers after being traded by the Rockets.