DeAndre Jordan may have second thoughts about signing with the Dallas Mavericks, as reports have the free agent considering a return to the LA Clippers in free agency before the moratorium ends and this comes as the Mavs believe that they have a "legitimate" chance to sign Kevin Durant in 2016 along with the Warriors, Celtics and Wizards.
Jordan reportedly agreed to sign a four-year, $80 million range max deal with the Mavericks, but he now is "reconsidering" the move. According to Marc Stein at ESPN.com, sources said that Jordan told people "close to him" that he is "torn" about the decision and is "unsure" if he should leave Los Angeles. The Clippers met with Jordan earlier in the offseason and now reports have the higher ups and players from the team flying out to speak with Jordan.
No deals can become official in the NBA until July 9 and that gives the Clippers another day to get things done. There were reports that Jordan was not happy with Chris Paul and the way he has been treated over the past couple years and also that they have a testy relationship. Paul could help try and smooth things over and he reportedly is coming back from vacation early to try and help the Clippers convince Jordan to stay.
ESPN's Chris Broussard reports that the Clippers feel they have a real chance at getting Jordan to return, as the team is trying to show that he is extremely important to their success in the future. Jordan reportedly wanted to leave the Clippers to have a bigger role in the offense, as he often is the third option behind Paul and Blake Griffin. The Clippers are scrambling to meet with Jordan and it comes after the team also added Paul Pierce and Wesley Matthews in free agency.
Check here for more on Jordan and the Mavericks moves and the future targeting of Durant.
Jordan was one of the top names on the market this offseason and he comes in after averaging 11 points and 15 rebounds last season. Adrian Wojnarowski reports at Yahoo that the Clippers are "confident" that Jordan will return and they are getting JJ Redick, Blake Griffin and Paul to try and convince him to come back. Jordan reportedly told the Clippers that he was thinking about the decision and now the team has another chance to try and get him to return over finishing off the deal with Dallas.
All this comes as the Mavericks are also looking towards the future and next summer. According to Chris Mannix of SI.com, the team thinks it can be a "legitimate contender" for Kevin Durant next summer when he becomes a free agent. The team's "offseason-haul" has given them confidence about Durant, but now the news with Jordan could be changing that.
The team already agreed with Wes Matthews and now Durant could be the main option for 2016. The Washington Wizards, Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics are also reportedly interested in Durant. The news with Jordan could change things and right now Mark Cuban and everyone else with the Mavs is holding out hope that he stays. Chandler Parsons helped recruiting and he could be on the horn again with Jordan to help out.
