DeAndre Jordan will be playing for a new team next season after the now former Los Angeles Clippers center has come to terms with the Dallas Mavericks.
Jordan has reportedly agreed to a four-year deal worth about $80 million to suit up for the Mavericks starting the 2015-16 NBA season. The deal includes a player option on the fourth year, which would allow Jordan to return to free agency by 2018. The deal was verbally agreed upon between Jordan and the Mavericks but it can only be made official by July 9 when contracts can be signed.
Mark Cuban is ecstatic with the development, calling Jordan one of the best players the Mavs will have in the coming years. Jordan was apparently impressed by the basketball strategy that Mavericks have in mind, something that was discussed thoroughly by head coach Rick Carlisle.
Last season, Jordan finished first in field goal percentage (.710) and led the league in rebounds in 2014-15 with 15.0 rebounds per game. He is the only player in NBA history to average at least 13 rebounds and have a 70 percent clip from the field.
One aspect of Jordan’s game, which needs major improvement is his free throw shooting. It will be recalled last season that opposing teams resorted to the Hack-a-Jordan strategy, something picked up from the original Hack-a-Shaq scheme made when the Big Fella was still actively playing in the NBA.
Dirk Nowitzki, who was also present when the Mavs were recruiting Jordan, may likely give the 27-year-old some tips. He along with Chandler Parsons helped in the recruitment process.
Jordan’s departure from the Clippers does leave a big void in the middle and many had speculated that Jordan was likely to stay on despite a rumored conflict between Jordan and star guard Chris Paul.
However, Jordan is not the only one coming aboard. Wesley Matthews has also reportedly agreed to join the Mavericks on a four-year deal with the final dollar amount yet to be finalized though an earlier report suggests that Matthews is seeking a doubled amount of his last salary with the Blazers.
Matthews previously received $7.25 million, which could indicate he may be asking for a $15 million annual contract. This, however, remains to be seen given the fact that Matthews is still in rehab following a ruptured Achilles.
With Jordan and Matthews, the Mavs are slowly taking shape and are beginning to look formidable. They are still, however, on the lookout for a point guard after the departure of Rajon Rondo (Sacramento Kings) and Monta Ellis (Indiana Pacers).