There was a time when DeAndre Jordan was considered one of the top free agents on the market, so much so that the Los Angeles Clippers had to “barricade” him inside a house to convince him to return after he had verbally agreed to join the Dallas Mavericks back in 2015.
But now, Jordan, while still a good player, has lost quite a bit of his luster, as bigs who can't shoot are not viewed as highly as they once were, even if they can defend and rebound with the best of them.
That being said, the 30-year-old will still represent a good free-agent pickup for someone, as he can absolutely help a contender.
Here is a list of a few teams that are ideal landing spots for DeAndre Jordan.
3. New York Knicks
Let's for a second assume that the Knicks end up landing Kevin Durant and possibly Kyrie Irving.
How nice would it be for them to also keep Jordan in the fold?
Jordan spent the second half of the 2018-19 campaign in New York after being acquired in a trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Mavericks, and he served as a terrific mentor for young center Mitchell Robinson.
While Robinson could be ready to step into the starting role next season, the Knicks will surely prioritize the present over the future if they do make a big free-agent splash like getting Durant, so Jordan would seem like a natural fit.
He might have to take a bit of a pay cut, especially if Durant and Irving both land in the Big Apple, but at this point in Jordan's career, it might be worth it for him in order to contend for a title.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers signed an older version of DeAndre Jordan earlier this season, picking Tyson Chandler up off waivers as a rim protector and rebounder in the middle, so why not try and get Jordan himself this summer?
Jordan would fit incredibly well next to LeBron James, providing him with a terrific pick-and-roll partner. Add in another free agent like Kemba Walker, and that would actually be a really nice offseason haul for Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is in desperate need for some help on the defensive side of the ball, and Jordan would certainly be of big assistance in that area.
Plus, he is no longer horrendous from the free-throw line, as he shot an incredible 70.5 percent from the charity stripe this season, so you can no longer just foul him and put him on the line late in games or when he tries to dunk.
1. Los Angeles Clippers
How about going back to where it all began?
If there is one thing the Clippers need, it's size up front and rim protection. While Ivica Zubac was certainly a great pickup for Los Angeles at the trade deadline, he is simply not Jordan, and with the Clips potentially making some big moves this summer, Jordan could serve as a piece to make them a legitimate contender in the West.
Think about it: if the Clippers end up landing Kawhi Leonard and bring in Jordan, as well, you are talking about a nasty defense that also includes Montrezl Harrell and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Patrick Beverley will probably sign elsewhere).
Jordan seemed to love LA, so you would imagine he would be very open to a reunion.
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