NBA rumors: DeAndre Jordan will be cut or traded before Nets’ training camp opens

DeAndre Jordan’s role with the Brooklyn Nets shrunk dramatically last season. Rumors are he won’t still be with the Nets when the season starts.

DeAndre Jordan joined the Brooklyn Nets in the same offseason as Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, signing a four-year, $40 million deal. At the time, his effectiveness had already declined and his addition was seen mostly as a nod to Durant and Irving and their desire to be surrounded by veterans they trusted.

Over his two seasons in Brooklyn, Jordan has appeared in just 114 of a possible 142 games with his minutes per game, dropping to the lowest levels since his second season in the NBA. Between Nicolas Claxton, Blake Griffin, rookie Day’Ron Sharpe and small ball units with Jeff Green, it appears the Nets have other options at center they are feeling better about. Per Alex Schiffer of The Athletic, DeAndre Jordan’s time with the Nets is likely coming to a close:

"From what I’ve been hearing, I would be surprised if Jordan is a Net by the time the team heads to San Diego for training camp. He’s already been shopped throughout the draft and offseason and you can start to read the writing on the wall. Now, assuming he’s gone, I’m curious about the exit route. Is it a trade, when there has already been a lack of a market for him and the Nets lack draft capital and young talent to part with for a significant return? Buyout? Waived? Regardless, I do not expect him back."

Where could DeAndre Jordan sign if the Nets buy him out?

Jordan is not the player he once was but he certainly still has value as a backup big man. The Lakers have been mentioned as a possible destination Jordan is owed another $18 million over this year and next and may not be willing to accept a buyout just to make things easier on Brooklyn. Since they’re looking to cut salary the trade options are going to be fairly limited as well. The Nets are looking for a solution but there aren’t any easy answers.