In a truly bizarre 24 hour period, LA Clippers star DeAndre Jordan might be going back on his deal to sign with the Dallas Mavericks, with his team-mates reportedly blockading him in his own house.
The centre made a verbal agreement with Dallas to return to his home state on a four year, $80 million contract during the free agency moratorium period.
But with that period drawing to a close, the Clippers made an 11th hour bid to woo him back and keep their contender status alive for at least another year.
It started with a call by Jordan to the Clippers, reportedly indicating that he was having second thoughts about jumping ship to Dallas.
This sparked a rat race by both teams to meet with the prized recruit, and of course, an emoji war.
First, Maverick’s small forward Chandler Parsons, indicated he’d be flying to Houston to convince Jordan to stick with his decision.
✈️
— Chandler Parsons (@ChandlerParsons) July 8, 2015
But then the cavalry arrived for the Clippers. Coach Doc Rivers, owner Steve Ballmer as well as teammates Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and J.J Redick all high-tailing it over to Jordan’s Houston home.
— JJ Redick (@JJRedick) July 8, 2015
✈️
— Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin32) July 8, 2015
It’s understood that the Clippers got to Jordan first, swayed him to change course and stay with the team on a four year contract worth $84 million.
The Mavs and their owner Mark Cuban have been trying to get a meeting with the free agent but has been unable to make contact.
CORRECTION: Sources: Cuban beside himself. Driving around downtown HOUSTON begging (thru texts) Jordan's family 4 address to DeAndre's home
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 9, 2015
A cheeky Blake Griffin has been tweeting photos of the Clippers inside Jordan’s house, blockading the centre in and keeping Cuban out.
Don't agree with the furniture layout but I'm not an interior designer. pic.twitter.com/23PNgQB88z
— Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin32) July 9, 2015
The Clippers don’t want DAJ to leave until he has signed the contract, which he can’t legally do until the moratorium ends at midnight (ET).
UPDATE (2:27pm) : LA Clippers have confirmed that DeAndre Jordan is staying at the Staples Centre.
Home is where your ❤ is.
#WelcomeHomeDJ pic.twitter.com/Ov0RoRKMDL
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) July 9, 2015
UPDATE: DeAndre Jordan's deal is for four years for an estimated $84 million, with an opt out after three years. (via @ESPNSteinLine)
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 9, 2015
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