FILE – LA Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday, March 21, 2018, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Two people with knowledge of the deal say the Dallas Mavericks and DeAndre Jordan have agreed on a one-year contract at roughly the $24.1 million the center was set to make with the Clippers next season.
The agreement comes three years after Jordan agreed to join Dallas as an unrestricted free agent but changed his mind before a contract could be signed and stayed in Los Angeles.
The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because deals can’t be signed until Friday. Jordan opted out of the final year of the contract he signed when he jilted the Mavericks in 2015.
The one-year deal gives both sides flexibility beyond next season, but is a sign that the Mavericks are tired of rebuilding after consecutive losing seasons for the first time in nearly 20 years.
If Jordan follows through on this agreement, he will leave the team that drafted him 10 years ago. He gives the Mavericks a rebounding and shot-blocking presence they’ve lacked since winning their only title in 2011. Dallas hasn’t won a playoff series since then.