The Clippers, coming off another playoff collapse after losing to the Rockets in Game Seven of the Western Conference Semi-Finals, have a lot of work to do this offseason. Their top priority is to resign center DeAndre Jordan who is an unrestricted free agent come July 1st.
According to a report from Fox Sports, Jordan may want to leave the Clippers, because of a “rift” with point guard Chris Paul.
From Fox Sports:
“All season, multiple sources say, a growing schism emerged between Jordan and point guard Chris Paul, and it could contribute to Jordan’s decision to stay or go as a free agent. Sources say Paul’s well-known edginess and drive ground on Jordan’s nerves for much of the year. Contributing to the problem was Paul’s view that Jordan lacked the appropriate commitment to working on his free throws, including not working enough with the Clippers shooting coach on that issue, sources said.”
“Things aren’t good there,” a league source familiar with the inner workings of the Clippers organization said. Asked if the issues between the two were serious, the source said, “Oh yeah. (Jordan) might leave. He really might.”
It’s been reported that Jordan wants a five-year max contract, something only the Clippers can give him, so it will be interesting to see if this “rift” with Paul effects that. The Clippers have a lot of work to do this offseason, not only to resign Jordan, but to also improve their bench which was one of the worst in the NBA this season.