Knicks Rumors: Lakers interested in DeAndre Jordan if bought out

The Los Angeles Lakers have interest in New York Knicks center DeAndre Jordan, pending he receives a buyout.

When the New York Knicks made the Kristaps Porzingis trade, they assumed Wesley Matthews and DeAndre Jordan‘s expiring contracts. As veterans joining a losing team, that opened the potential buyout route for both to join contenders.

After just two games, Matthews was bought out and signed with the Indiana Pacers. Jordan, however, stayed, to provide quality big-man minutes and mentor Mitchell Robinson.

Mar. 1 is the NBA’s buyout deadline for players to become playoff eligible, so teams have just days to add players for their postseason run. The Los Angeles Lakers, who sit 11th in the Western Conference, are one of them, and according to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka-led front office have interest in Jordan.

However, Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times (h/t Silver Screen and Roll) said to not expect New York to buyout Jordan before Mar. 1.

It’s not like the Knicks will re-sign Jordan to another $22.6 million salary, which he received from the Dallas Mavericks last offseason. President Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry have $70 million to work with in free agency, so unless everything transpires against their plan, this veteran center would have to return on a significantly smaller salary.

But, as ESPN’s Tim Bontemps once theorized, Jordan is close to Kevin Durant, the superstar long rumored to join the Knicks this summer.

For the 2018-19 season, Jordan could have helped a playoff caliber team like the Lakers, who have spun downward for the past two months, led by the Anthony Davis trade rumors. They need help just to make the West’s top eight, as the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings have delivered strong seasons.

Jordan, though, is dealing with an ankle injury, per ESPN’s Ian Begley. That could leave potentially interested teams room to pause, especially if this keeps him out for a few weeks.

Meanwhile, the Knicks have received rising play from Mitchell Robinson, who’s performance ascended after Jordan’s arrival, with 3.0 blocks per game. His minutes rose, as well, and the injury only helped this cause.

If the Knicks like the former Clippers’ mentorship for their young center, it gives them greater reason to keep him for the remaining 22 games and evaluate the results it delivers.

So, for now, expect Jordan to remain a Knick. Situations can change instantly in the NBA, and he could leave by Mar. 1, but it makes sense for the front office to keep him for another six weeks.