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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Jordan agrees to deal with Mavs

Ap

DeAndre Jordan has chosen the Mavericks over the Los Angeles Clippers in what turned into a tense boom-or-bust wait for Dallas in pursuit of the free-agent center.

Two people familiar with the deal tell the Associated Press that the NBA rebound leader agreed to terms. One said the deal was worth $80 million over four years. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because no deals can be completed and signed until Thursday.

This is the biggest free-agent pickup in Mark Cuban’s 15 years as Dallas owner. The deal comes two days after the Mavericks lost their backup plan when last season’s starter, Tyson Chandler, bolted for Phoenix.

The last of Jordan’s four meetings was with the Clippers. But coach Doc Rivers couldn’t persuade the Texas native to stick with the franchise that drafted him seven years ago.

Jordan, who turns 27 this month, led the NBA in rebounding the past two seasons and is coming off career-best averages of 11.5 points and 15.0 rebounds. Since the Clippers drafted the Texas A&M star with the 35th overall pick in 2008, Jordan has averaged 8.0 points and 9.0 rebounds.

Around the league

Center Robin Lopez has agreed to sign with the Knicks. Lopez will leave the Trail Blazers to fill the open spot in the middle for New York. Yahoo Sports reported Lopez would receive a four-year deal worth $54 million. … The Kings and PG Rajon Rondo agreed to a one-year deal for $10 million. Rondo’s addition comes hours after the Kings and SG Marco Belinelli agreed to a $19 million, three-year contract. … The Rockets have reached deals with SF Corey Brewer and PG Patrick Beverley to keep them in Houston. Yahoo Sports first reported both agreements. … Free-agent SG Gary Neal has agreed to a $2.1 million, one-year contract with the Wizards.