Prior to the trade deadline on Thursday afternoon, there had been weeks of chatter surrounding the Los Angeles Clippers moving former All-Star big man DeAndre Jordan.
However, team consultant Jerry West surprisingly stated during a Clippers season-ticket holder event on Thursday night that the front office had offered Jordan a contract extension. It didn't take long for the 29-year-old to refute that report with his own cryptic take on the situation.
— DeAndre Jordan 🐺 (@DeAndre) February 9, 2018
There is clearly some sort of disconnect between Jordan and the front office that has been building over the last few weeks. It is no secret that the Clippers have been trying to find a feasible trade, which nearly came to fruition on Thursday morning before the Cleveland Cavaliers decided to pull out of the proposed deal.
Jordan is in the final year of his four-year, $87.6 million deal and his availability in trade market had become more prominent following the departure of both Chris Paul and Blake Griffin over the last several months. This has put the Clippers in the tough position of moving on from one of their cornerstone players that has continued to produce at a high level.
All of this gives off the notion that Jordan could be entering the final stretch of his career with the Clippers and sign elsewhere in free agency this upcoming offseason. Despite his limitations offensively, he is one of the top centers in the league in the prime of his career as a premier rim protector and rebounder.
Jordan is in the midst of another highly productive campaign where he is averaging a double-double with 11.5 points and 14.9 rebounds along with 1.0 blocks per game. He is also currently second in the league in rebounding and field goal percentage (65.3). Jordan will likely garner plenty of interest around the league on the open market and command a lucrative multi-year contract.
Follow Us
Subscribe