Seventeen seasons into his career, DeAndre Jordan finds himself back where many veterans eventually land: on the open market, waiting for the right call. The former Los Angeles Clippers All-Star and NBA champion is still a free agent as the 2025–26 season edges closer, though he appears in no rush to hang up his sneakers.
With Jordan on the team, Denver went on a historic run and won its first NBA championship, so that move was well-timed. While his on-court role was limited — 39 games at about 15 minutes a night, averaging 5.1 points and 5.2 rebounds — the ring marked a career milestone for a player who had spent years chasing playoff success.
He stayed with the Nuggets for two more seasons, serving as a reliable depth option behind Nikola Jokić. Last year, DeAndre Jordan logged 56 appearances, averaging 3.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 13 minutes per game. He offered leadership, experience, and a consistent presence in spot minutes, despite not being the dominant rim protector of his Clippers days.
It’s that locker room influence and veteran savvy that could make Jordan an attractive pickup. From the highs of being an All-Star and two-time rebounding champion to the grind of switching teams later in his career, the 36-year-old has experienced it all in his 17 seasons since being selected in the 2008 NBA Draft. Alongside Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, he became a mainstay of the Lob City era during his ten years in Los Angeles, where he averaged almost a double-double (9.4 points, 10.7 rebounds) over 750 games. His peak came in 2016–17, when he posted 12.7 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.
Since leaving the Clippers, DeAndre Jordan has made stops with Dallas, New York, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, and the Lakers before his run in Denver. Along the way, he’s established himself as one of the league’s longest-serving big men and a respected voice in the locker room.
This summer has seen several teams dip into the veteran big man market — Bismack Biyombo, Thomas Bryant, Precious Achiuwa, and Mo Bamba have all found new homes. Jordan remains one of the top options still available, a reminder that proven size and experience always carry value.
For now, the veteran appears patient, staying in shape and waiting for the right opportunity. If a team is looking for a reliable third center with championship experience and nearly two decades of NBA know-how, Jordan may get that call for season No. 18.
