Free agent center DeAndre Jordan is reportedly seeking a four-year deal with an opt out clause after three seasons in free agency, according to ESPN. This would negate the Los Angeles Clippers' advantage in keeping Jordan. The Clips could counter with a deal that includes a fifth year worth $27 million.
Rumors suggest that Jordan is seeking a bigger role on offense and no longer wants to be the third option behind Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. Jordan will meet with the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Clippers once free agency officially opens Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. ET.
The Mavs are rumored to be the front runner in convincing Jordan to leave L.A. As of Tuesday, ESPN reported that it is "50/50" between the two teams.
Jordan is coming off an impressive season in which he led the league in field goal percentage (.710) and rebounds per game (15.0) for the second consecutive year. He is the first player to accomplish that since Wilt Chamberlain did in 1971-73.
Jordan also finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting and was named to the All-NBA third team for the first time in his career.
The 26-year-old big man set a career high with 11.5 points per game last season. However, he shot just 39.7 percent from the free throw line and is a career 41.7 percent shooter from there. "Hack-a-Jordan" became a popular strategy this season due to his free throw shooting woes, though the Clippers are 12-0 in the regular season when he attempts 14 or more FTs.
