A reported rift between Los Angeles Clippers stars DeAndre Jordan and Chris Paul could improve the chances of the New York Knicks signing Jordan in free agency. With Jordan potentially now willing to seriously explore free agency, Knicks president Phil Jackson likely has moved the league-leading rebounder to the top tier of his free-agent wish list, which reportedly includes Rajon Rondo and Greg Monroe.
According to Fox Sports' Bill Reiter, there's a "schism" between Jordan and Paul that has been growing for much of the year. Another report indicated Jordan has become frustrated with his role on the Clippers and the team's playoff losses. Jordan had been widely considered a lock to re-sign with the Clippers in the offseason, but the purported rift with Paul - along with another second-round postseason elimination - could easily change that. All of that spells good news for the Knicks, who have a number of attributes that should make them an attractive option for Jordan.
First, the money. New York's projected cap space for the offseason is expected to be enough to sign one player to a max-level contract and another to a contract in the $10 million to $12 million range. Jordan, the league-leading rebounder for two straight seasons, will command a max deal. Fortunately, Jordan is worth it: He's only 26 years old and if he weren't the third option on the Clippers as he is now, he'd have a few All-Star invites already under his belt.
Second, the system. Jordan purportedly wants to have a bigger role next season, something which won't happen as long as Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are on the team. If Jordan came to New York, though, he'd his wish would be granted. Centers in Jackson's triangle offense have always had a prominent role, and the fact Jordan is an elite defender makes him the type of player Jackson loves.
The biggest flaw in Jordan's game is his scoring. He's a horrible free-throw shooter and he's not a threat from anywhere except in the paint. He's also not known for being a great passer. Still, Jackson could make it work. Jordan will never be the kind of offensive behemoth that Shaquille O'Neal was, but Jordan's scoring has consistently improved each year and his 11.5 points per game this season came as the Clippers' No. 3 scoring option. Put Jordan in a system keyed around the 5-spot and bring in a power forward with an outside shot to space the floor, then watch Jordan's PPG jump.
Third, the chance to win. The Knicks were the second worst team in the league this season, but their fortune could quickly change over the next two months. New York could come away Tuesday night with a top pick in the 2015 NBA draft, a pick which Jackson could either keep or trade. Couple the draft with free agency and a little luck, and the Knicks could instantly become playoff contenders on paper in the weak Eastern Conference.
Jackson has indicated his top priority is acquiring a bigman, one who's preferably an elite defender. His free-agent wish list for bigs reportedly includes Marc Gasol, LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Monroe, and there's no reason to believe he wouldn't pull out all stops to acquire a bona fide rim-protector like Jordan if the 6-foot-11 center were to seriously explore the market.
Jordan, though, won't be short of suitors if teams believe he isn't sold on re-signing with the Clippers. He reportedly is "extremely interested" in the Dallas Mavericks, with the San Antonio Spurs and the Cleveland Cavaliers - if Kevin Love doesn't stay - also at the top of his list.
Other non-bigmen free agents said to have Jackson's eye include Rondo, guard Goran Dragic, and forwards Kevin Love and Tobias Harris.
