Brooklyn Nets: DeAndre Jordan opens up about departure after trade
When DeAndre Jordan made his exit from the Brooklyn Nets to Detroit, there were tons of factors that contributed to his departure. One major reason being the roster updates and his declining minutes last season. He played a total of 22 MPH throughout the 2020-21 season and contributed just seven points and seven boards per contest.
This was a far cry from his performance in previous years where he’d average a double-double in his sleep. And while some may say that he was at odds with the Nets, there were other factors for his departure.
Simply put, his lack of offense could no longer be supported by his defense and rebounding. Those latter to aspects of his game significantly declined, and if he wasn’t able to run the court and space the floor with the Nets’ Big 3, then what’s the point?
Some might think Jordan had ill will toward the Nets when he was involved in a salary-dump trade, but he opened up about it since joining the Los Angeles Lakers after the Pistons bought out his contract.
In fact, there was actually an understanding between Jordan and Brooklyn when the time came for the organization to cut ties.
"“I think it was just both parties wanted to figure out something that was best for both of us and I feel like they gave me that respect as a veteran player to be able to understand that I wanted to be able to compete,” the big man said."
Jordan made it clear that there’s no bad blood, emphasizing that his former teammates were brothers before, during, and hopefully after the ball stops bouncing. The opportunity to play with the Nets was enough for him and he’s in a good place mentally.
Now, his journey takes him back to the West Coast, with the other super team vying for a championship. What this opportunity with the Lakers will provide to Jordan will be unclear, especially with the depth of the roster that LA possesses heading into this upcoming year.
But man, what a story it’ll be if the Lakers and Nets meet in the Finals, which is incredibly likely if both squads can remain healthy.