Ranking 12 Phoenix Suns free agent targets with ties to Kevin Durant
By Tyler Watts
9. Deandre Jordan
Fans may remember that Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving took less money when they signed with the Nets, so the franchise could sign Jordan. The three-time All-NBA big man’s play had begun to slip, but they wanted to play with their friend.
Jordan averaged 7.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.0 block in his 21.9 minutes per game during his two years in Brooklyn. The 6’11 big man was not the same force in the paint, and he slipped out of the rotation in the 2021 playoffs.
That was not the first time Durant and Jordan were teammates as they played together on Team USA’s 2016 Olympic squad. KD was the team’s leading scorer and best player. Jordan started three games in Rio as he averaged 7.4 points and 6.1 rebounds in 17.3 minutes per game during their gold medal run.
Could Deandre Jordan reunite with Kevin Durant in Phoenix? DJ has played for six different teams over the last five seasons, and he struggled to stay in the team’s playoff rotation. The 34-year-old could head to Phoenix to be the third-string center this offseason. He is past his prime, but the 6’11 big man is still a strong rebounder and reserve big man.
Does Phoenix want him as one of their backup big men? If not, do they sign him because of his bond with KD? Stay tuned to find out.