Sources told ESPN that three-time All-Star center DeAndre Jordan intends to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, after finalizing a contract buyout with the Detroit Pistons.
Sources told ESPN that Detroit on Friday acquired Jordan, four second-round picks, and $5.78 million in a deal with Brooklyn and the remaining two years and $20 million on Jordan's contract.
Once the buyout agreement is signed, Jordan must clear the waiver before becoming a free agent and signing with the Lakers. The terms of his contract make it nearly impossible for Jordan to be claimed by a team.
The Nets announced Saturday that Brooklyn has acquired Goth Okafor and Seiko Doumbouya in a deal with Detroit. Sources said they would send the Pistons their 2022 and 2027 second-round picks, with the more favorable 2024 second-rounder between the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies and the more favorable 2025 second-rounder between the Wizards and Golden State Warriors.
Jordan's contract provides net financial relief in the short term rather than buying it, but also in the future with a repeat tax penalty in 2023.
Nets general manager Sean Marks said in a statement, “We appreciate everything he has contributed to our organization both on and off the court over the past two seasons and wish him and his family the best of luck moving forward. "
Brooklyn had the option to waive and increase the $19.7 million owed on Jordan's deal over five seasons; This would have represented a cap hit of $3.9 million that would be on the team's books from 2021 to 2025. The move would have saved the Nets money on their luxury tax bill for the next two years, but cost them an additional $20 million in 2023—24 and could reach $50 million in 2024–25 and 2025–26.
Sources said it was not immediately clear whether the Nets would keep Okafor or Doumbouya or decide to pardon them. This is expected to be determined in the coming days and weeks. Sources said the Nets are planning to pursue Alizee Johnson.
Jordan would return to Los Angeles, where he spent the first 10 years of his career as a member of the Clippers. The Lakers have signed several experienced players to their bench — including eight-time All-Star center Dwight Howard — and still have three-time All-Star Marc Gasol on the roster.
Gasol arrived in Los Angeles with a championship pedigree from his time in Toronto and his brother, Pau, joined Kobe Bryant to join the Lakers after winning two titles with the franchise. Originally, Gasol was named the starting center after signing a two-year contract, slightly above the veteran's minimum, but shooting just 40.3% off the field before the All-Star break, starting early. Struggled to find his shot in the round.
While Marc Gasol was brought to the Lakers, in part, for his ability to provide a secondary playmaker at center position, Jordan brings a similar skill set with JaVale McGee. Before he was traded away, McGee teamed up with Howard to drive Anthony Davis as a rim-protecting big on the frontcourt during the Lakers Championship in the Orlando, Florida, bubble.
Jordan was part of a free-agent signing class with Brooklyn that included Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in 2019. Initially, Jordan alternated starting center with Jarrett Allen, who was eventually traded to Cleveland as part of a four-team deal. Nets All-NBA guard James Harden. Once the Nets acquired Blake Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge, Jordan's role was reduced.
Jordan averaged 7.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in 57 games he played in Brooklyn last season.