Did DeAndre Jordan play his final game as a Clipper in Wednesday’s season finale?
We may have seen DeAndre Jordan play his last game as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.
As he checked out for the final time this season with 4:02 remaining in the 3rd Quarter, DeAndre Jordan and Head Coach Doc Rivers embraced a long hug as neither knew their fate with the Los Angeles Clippers heading into the off-season.
DeAndre Jordan’s name has been mentioned throughout the season as many speculated he would be moved by the trade deadline. DJ has been a key part of the Clippers’ franchise as he is currently the longest tenured player on the roster, having been drafted with the 35th Pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.
For those who haven't seen it, this is probably the best I could find of the DeAndre Jordan/Doc Rivers embrace in the 3rd quarter. #Clippers pic.twitter.com/LAl6i6q5SI
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 12, 2018
DJ holds a $24.1 million player option next year, but he will most likely decline it and hit the Free Agent market. After the Clippers final game versus the Lakers on Wednesday, he was asked if he would like to return to the Clippers next year. Here was his response:
DeAndre Jordan on if he wants to be back with the #Clippers: "I wanna be where I'm wanted. I wanna continue my career and have a chance to contend and win again; that's really what I'm looking at."
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) April 12, 2018
DJ sounds as if he will be testing the free agent waters this summer and reviewing all his options before he’ll consider re-signing with the Clips. LA Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank also reiterated that there is a contract offer for DJ if he would like to return next season.
LA #Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank says that although DeAndre Jordan (@DeAndre) has a player option, the team will continue to have dialogue with him and his agent - "There is a contract for him next year if he wants to be here." pic.twitter.com/0a8nvYIPJO
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 12, 2018
Adding to more speculation that he might move on elsewhere next year, DJ has liked several tweets on Twitter thanking him for his time here with the Clippers.
DJ also has the option of a sign-and-trade scenario as the Los Angeles Clippers can receive some compensation for him. Our very own Cannon Wonderlich also did a piece on five possible trades for DJ as you guys should go check it out.
If Wednesday’s game was in fact DJ’s last in a Clippers Uniform, it would officially mark the end of “Lob City” and a fresh start for both the Clips and DJ.
We wish nothing but the best for DJ going forward and hopefully this won’t be the last time we see him in a Clips jersey.