NBA: DeAndre Jordan reportedly leaving Clippers to join Mavs
DeAndre Jordan. AFP FILE PHOTO
LOS ANGELES—The Dallas Mavericks have landed center DeAndre Jordan, one of the most coveted NBA free agents of 2015, the Dallas Morning News reported on Friday.
The deal, which can’t be sealed until the free agent signing period begins on July 9, is reportedly worth four years at the maximum allowed under the salary cap of more than $81 million.
The move to Dallas, where superstar Dirk Nowitzki is in the twilight of his career, will allow Jordan to take a lead role on a team.
With the Los Angeles Clippers he has played in the shadow of point guard Chris Paul and high-flying star Blake Griffin.
LOOK: Clippers unveil new logo, uniforms
Jordan, who reportedly also seriously considered a move to the New York Knicks, will also be returning to the state where he played college basketball, with Texas A&M.
READ: Dwyane Wade apparently staying put in Miami
Jordan, 26, led the NBA in rebounding the last two seasons and in field-goal percentage the last three seasons.
He’s a notoriously poor free-throw shooter, but a sterling interior defender.
Last season, he averaged 11.5 points and 15 rebounds.
In leaving the Clippers, Jordan departs the team where he spent the first seven years of his career.
As the free agent follies continued on Friday, coveted forward LaMarcus Aldridge was reportedly planning to take some time to consider his options after meeting with multiple teams.
Aldridge met a second time for about 90 minutes with the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, according to ESPN.
Aldridge, 29, has also met with the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Dallas, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns, according to multiple reports.
The Spurs have been mentioned by several media outlets as the favorites to lure the All-Star from the Portland Trail Blazers.
