2018 NBA free agency: Early predictions for where top 15 players will sign

7. DeAndre Jordan, C, Los Angeles Clippers (Player Option)

Where he will sign: Dallas Mavericks

Los Angeles Clippers fans will try to convince you that the team’s strong second-half showing will be enough to keep DeAndre Jordan around. However, with the way things have gone between his previous free agency and this season, I don’t think DJ hesitates to jump ship.

Jordan already tried to sign with the Dallas Mavericks a few years ago. Then, while waiting for free agency to officially begin, his teammates (specifically, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin) essentially held him hostage, allowing the Clippers the opportunity to re-sign him. Now, Paul and Griffin are gone and this current roster is like a stranger to him.

The connections aren’t strong any more. The franchise doesn’t have as bright of a future. Even Doc Rivers seems to routinely be mentioned as on the hot seat. While the Mavericks aren’t any better off, they’ve at least got an intriguing young core of players and a lottery pick coming their way.

Jordan needs to wash his hands of the Clippers franchise and start anew elsewhere. By signing with Dallas, he returns to his home state of Texas and joins a club that could use a new face at center. I don’t think he’ll be playing for rings anytime soon with the Mavericks, but it’s not like he was doing that with the Clippers either.