Report: DeAndre Jordan expected to sign with Lakers after planned Pistons buyout
It has been a busy day for DeAndre Jordan.
After starting the day as a Brooklyn Net, the veteran center made a pitstop with the Detroit Pistons and will ultimately land with the Los Angeles Lakers, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports.
Per the report, the Nets traded Jordan, cash and four second-round draft picks to the Pistons in an effort to clear salary and reduce their luxury tax bill. Brooklyn received Jahlil Okafor and Sekou Doumbouya in return.
The Pistons plan to buy out the remaining two years and $20 million on Jordan's contract. He intends to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers upon clearing waivers, according to Wojnarowski.
Upon formal completion of a buyout with the Detroit Pistons, center DeAndre Jordan intends to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. Jordan would have to first clear waivers to become a free agent.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 3, 2021
Jordan, 33, averaged 7.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 21.9 minutes per last season. He joins a Lakers frontcourt that features Marc Gasol and Dwight Howard at center. However, Marc Stein of The New York Times reported in August that Gasol — who has one year remaining on his contract — "is not a lock to return" to the Lakers.
Jordan gives the Lakers an insurance policy against Gasol and Anthony Davis another buffer in his desire to avoid playing center at all costs.