With Chris Paul on the LA Clippers and Blake Griffin working as an NBA analyst, DeAndre Jordan was the last of the iconic trio, trying to figure out what was best for him. He recently played behind Nikola Jokic on the Denver Nuggets, but after Jonas Valančiūnas became their backup center, Jordan remained the market's most experienced center.
However, the New Orleans Pelicans' regular season began, and after one game, they realized that their bench did not have a veteran with a voice that could lead to wins. Thus, they signed Jordan to a one-year, $3.6 million deal.
Free agent center DeAndre Jordan is signing a one-year, $3.6 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management tells ESPN. The one-time All-NBA big man and 2023 champion enters his 18th season in the league. pic.twitter.com/kDRJE4Cnem
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 24, 2025
That said, Jordan will use his years with the Clippers and six other teams to help the Pelicans make a run for the playoffs and develop their younger, big men like Yves Missi and Derik Queen.
The New Orleans Pelicans will have DeAndre Jordan in a dual-responsibility role
In their regular-season opener, the New Orleans Pelicans lost to the Memphis Grizzlies by six points. Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole played well, but Yves Missi left the game with an ankle injury, and rookie Derik Queen had a rough debut with three points and five rebounds, shooting 1-4 from the field with a +/- of -11.
Moreover, DeAndre Jordan arrived at the Pelicans' facility immediately and attended practice on Friday. This ultimately meant he was available for their contest against the San Antonio Spurs, which is shocking, as the signing occurred early in the morning, the day of the game.
The Pelicans' primary reason for adding another center, following the addition of Poole's former teammate, Kevon Looney, was his experience. He will be in the player-coach role, really helping Missi and Queen flourish, as New Orleans picked both in the first round.
But the Pelicans know that Jordan still has game. He won a ring in 2023 and averaged 5.1 rebounds in 12.3 minutes last season for the Denver Nuggets. So, if needed, head coach Willie Green can sub him in, given that he is looked at as another depth piece by their front office.
Additionally, Looney and Missi are currently hurt, hinting that Jordan will have a high chance of seeing the floor, for the time being.
Nonetheless, the Pelicans are unlikely to make any moves until later in the year, as Jordan is the final piece they needed. He can still catch alley-oops and rebound at a high level, helping Poole as a reliable big man, and Williamson as a six-foot-eleven beast, crashing the glass on both sides of the ball.