Nets, DeAndre Jordan Eye Buyout; Lakers Monitoring

The Nets and veteran center DeAndre Jordan are working toward a buyout, according to Shams Charania and Alex Schiffer of The Athletic.

Jordan, 32, averaged 7.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in 57 games last season, but did not appear in the playoffs. He signed a four-year deal worth about $40 million in 2019, when Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving also signed.

No final decisions have been made on a buyout between the Nets and Jordan, Charania added, but wrote that the sides remaining together for the 2021-22 season are “increasingly unlikely.”

Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN each noted that the Lakers could have an interest in Jordan if he does indeed become a free agent following a buyout. LA could only sign Jordan to a veteran’s minimum deal, and Shelburne speculated that such an agreement may not happen until midseason.

“Jordan still has two years and $19.7MM left on his deal with the Nets — it’s unclear how much money he’d be willing to give back in a buyout,” wrote Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors. “He’d likely draw interest from other teams in need of frontcourt help if Brooklyn lets him go, though probably not for more than the veteran’s minimum.”