DeAndre Jordan will be one of the most coveted players in free agency this summer as reports revealed at least four teams are expected to make a strong push to sign him, including the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks.
According to NBA insider Sam Amick of USA Today, Jordan has already lined up meetings when the free agency period begins on Wednesday.
The Lakers, who recently bolstered their roster by acquiring promising rookie D'Angelo Russell in the 2015 NBA Draft on Thursday, will reportedly meet with Jordan in Los Angeles in the hope of luring the 26-year-old center away from their city rival -- the Clippers.
The Lakers had a chance to acquire a big man in the draft, but they passed on former Duke standout Jahlil Okafor in favor of Russell. Their decision to draft Russell instead of Okafor indicated the Lakers are focused on acquiring a big man in free agency.
Aside from Jordan, they are also being linked to LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love and Marc Gasol. Before the draft, rumors also swirled the Lakers were about to acquire DeMarcus Cousins from the Sacramento Kings, but no deal was finalized between the two teams.
On the other hand, the Knicks also need all the help they can get in free agency in the hope of turning things around next season after finishing with a measly 17-65 record last season.
The Knicks drafted Kristaps Porzingis on Thursday, but it will not stop them from pursuing Jordan, who averaged 11.5 points and 15.0 rebounds on top of 2.2 blocks per game last season. The Knicks will reportedly meet with Jordan on Thursday in Los Angeles before talking to the Clippers.
Aside from the Lakers and Knicks, the Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks are also reportedly interested in getting the Clippers' starting center this summer.
The Clippers are still the favorites to sign Jordan at this point because they could offer a five-year deal worth around $109 million, while other teams can only tender a four-year deal around $81 million.
However, recent reports indicated that Jordan might be open to leaving the Clippers for less money in the hope of shining with another team because he has less chance of getting the same attention with his current team because of fellow stars Blake Griffin and Chris Paul.
Although Clippers coach Doc Rivers have already denied previous reports, it is still unclear at this point whether or not Jordan has a good relationship with Paul, who was reportedly frustrated of his teammate last season.
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