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DeAndre Jordan of the Los Angeles Clippers is opting out of the final year of his contract, paving the way for free agency negotiations with the Dallas Mavericks. The news was first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Clippers center DeAndre Jordan will opt-out of his deal, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2018
Jordan will become an unrestricted free agent, and pathway has been cleared to negotiate a deal with the Dallas Mavericks. https://t.co/B2vcb5xipA
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2018
The last time the Clippers, Mavericks, and Jordan were in a free-agent love triangle, one of the most bizarre stories in the history of NBA negotiations unfolded, as Jordan agreed to sign with Dallas, then reverted to L.A. in the 11th hour after car rides, phone calls, and all kinds of emotional drama.
It’s safe to say that the now-rebuilding Clippers will not protest as vigorously this time as Jordan heads towards Dallas. ESPN’s Marc Stein relays that the Mavericks are comfortable that they can land their man this time.
The Mavericks will make DeAndre Jordan their top target in free agency after Jordan informed the Clippers that he will bypass next season's $24.1 million player option to become a free agent, league sources say
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 29, 2018
The Mavericks did not want to surrender draft compensation in a potential trade with the Clippers for DeAndre Jordan and prefer instead to pursue him in free agency, league sources say
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 29, 2018
Jordan averaged 12.0 points and 15.2 rebounds in 31.5 minutes per game for the Clippers last year. The 6’11 center will be 30 when the new season starts.