DeAndre Jordan Abandons Mavs After Teammates' Plea
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DALLAS (CBSDFW) -- The Dallas Mavericks received a verbal commitment from DeAndre Jordan on Friday. The Los Angeles Clippers received the only commitment that matters.
After a last minute plea from his Clippers teammates, Jordan reversed course and signed a four-year deal worth more than $87 million with the Clippers late Wednesday night.
[tweet https://twitter.com/LAClippers/status/618994324458487810 width='330']
Dallas verbally agreed to a four-year deal with Jordan last Friday, validating the franchise's recent attempts to sign a marquee free agent. That agreement came into question on Wednesday, as reports surfaced that Jordan was having second thoughts.
That's when a contingent of Clippers, including coach Doc Rivers and owner Steve Ballmer, along with players Blake Griffin, J.J. Redick, and Paul Pierce, descended upon Jordan's Houston home.
They didn't leave until a deal was signed after 11 p.m., when free agents were officially allowed to sign with teams.
Mark Cuban and Chandler Parsons also reportedly traveled to Houston, but were not granted a meeting with Jordan, who also refused to answer their calls.
[tweet https://twitter.com/ChandlerParsons/status/618973316573958144 width='330']
Dan Fegan, Jordan's agent who is close with the Mavericks, was also reportedly denied access to Jordan Wednesday night.
The 26-year-old center has led the NBA in rebounds the last two seasons. Last year, Jordan averaged 11.5 points and 15.0 rebounds per game, helping the Clippers to a 56-26 record and conference semifinals appearance.
With Jordan's sudden reversal, Dallas will likely scramble to find a replacement at center. Tyson Chandler agreed to a four-year deal with Phoenix last week.
Mark Cuban released the following statement on CyberDust Thursday morning:
"Dear Mavs fans.
There will be a time when I detail everything I know regarding the last 48 hours. I don't think the time is right to say anything beyond the facts that he never responded to me at all yesterday. Not once. To this minute I have not heard anything from him since Tuesday night.
More importantly, I specifically told Wes that I would not hold him to his commitment if he wanted to go elsewhere. I can't print his exact response, but suffice to say he is excited to play for our Mavs :-) Wes Matthews is exactly the type of player we want in a Mavs uniform and our fans will love him. He will be in Dallas today so if you see him give him an MFFL welcome!"
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