Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan is reportedly intent on playing for his hometown Houston Rockets, and he allegedly told several Rockets players as much during the regular season.
According to Kelly Iko of USA Today's Rockets Wire, Jordan has "remained focused on the possibility of playing in Houston," and he expressed "frustration with the Clippers organization and a strong desire to leave" following the Clippers vs Rockets locker room altercation back in January. The report cites sources who say that after the locker room drama, Jordan spoke to multiple Rockets players on the team bus about his desire to play in Houston.
Jordan, 29, has a $24.1 million player option for 2018-19 but "is almost certain to decline" it to become a free agent next Summer, according to Iko. Last season with the Clippers, Jordan averaged 12 points and a career-best 15.2 rebounds per game.
However, the Rockets already have a powerful big man who can rebound, protect the rim and catch oops near the rim - Clint Capela - and he's just 24 years old. Capela, in his fourth NBA season, averaged career bests across the board this year with 13.9 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. He will be a restricted free agent this Summer and is due for a large chunk of change, whether it be with the Rockets or an outside team who offers him a max level deal.
As Iko notes, the clearest financial path to Jordan joining the Rockets is a sign-and-trade scenario involving Capela going to the Clippers. Although, that appears to be unlikely.
