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2019 NBA free agency: 5 potential landing spots for DeAndre Jordan

By Simon Smith

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 08: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the New York Knicks looks on while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 08, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 120-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 08: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the New York Knicks looks on while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 08, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 120-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Brooklyn Nets

Ultimately, the signing of Jordan would be a two-fold reason for the Brooklyn Nets.

Firstly, the obvious reason is for his on-court production. While incumbent center Jarrett Allen has shown steady improvement over his two seasons in the league, his pure lack of bulk was highly apparent during the Nets’ postseason run. Matched up against All-Star Joel Embiid, Allen struggled mightily, with the Nets a staggering 27.4 points per 100 possessions better off when Allen was off the floor.

Recently, Nets general manager Sean Marks stated the following to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News:

The second reason is more related to off the floor, and his close friendship with the Nets’ No. 1 target in free agency, Kevin Durant. In a recent tweet, Marc Stein of the New York Times reported the following:

Despite the torn Achilles sustained by Durant during the recent NBA Finals series, interested teams vying for his services are still expected to offer him a max contract this summer, even with the high likelihood that he misses the entire 2019-20 season. While it’s unlikely Jordan’s presence would significantly persuade Durant with his ultimate decision-making, the gesture itself would certainly not harm the Nets’ chances of landing the 10-time All-Star.

While Jordan would have to settle for a significantly lower salary due to the Nets’ reported chase of two maximum salary free agents, the chance to hook up with his close friend Durant, while also joining an up-and-coming Nets team, could prove to be too good to refuse.