Reports: DeAndre Jordan opts out of deal, opening door to sign with Mavs
DeAndre Jordan of the Clippers reacts during the game against the Hawks at Philips Arena on November 22, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Mavericks are going after DeAndre Jordan in free agency.
Sound familiar?
According to several media reports, Jordan has opted out his current deal with the Clippers, a move that will make him an unrestricted free agent at 11:01 p.m. Saturday night. The Mavericks, in need of a center, are now the favorite to sign the big man.
Three years ago, Jordan originally agreed to a contract with Dallas right before free agency began. But teammates Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and other members of the Clippers invaded Jordan's Houston home until they convinced him to stay in Los Angeles.
One minor difference in 2018: Griffin and Paul no longer play for the Clippers.
Jordan was due to make $24.1 million in the 2018-19 season. Dallas currently has $27 million in salary cap space, and created even more wiggle room by declining Dirk Nowitzki's $5 million team option, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times.
Signing Jordan in free agency means the Mavericks will be able to hold on to Wes Matthews, along with draft picks, pieces that likely would have been sent to the Clippers if the teams had agreed to a trade.
Jordan averaged 12.0 points and 15.2 rebounds last season with the Clippers, his 5th straight year averaging a double-double.