DeAndre Disses Dallas

DeAndre Jordan is returning to the Los Angeles Clippers with a four-year contract, backing out of a similar deal with the Dallas Mavericks, who were scrambling early Thursday to fill the gaping hole.

Jordan agreed to a four-year, $80 million contract with the Mavericks after meeting with several teams, including the New York Knicks and Clippers.

But Wednesday evening, several teammates, including forward Blake Griffin, and owner Steve Ballmer of the Clippers descended upon Jordan’s home in Texas and vowed not to let him out until he signed with the team at 12:01 a.m. ET, when the league moratorium on free agent signings was lifted.

The Mavericks, according to reports, were not able to reach Jordan. His agent, Dan Fegan, was not present at Jordan’s home Thursday.

The big man initially committed to the Mavericks because he wanted a bigger role on offense. With the Clippers, he is no better than the No. 3 option on the offensive end behind Griffin and point guard Chris Paul. Jordan was the second player in NBA history to shoot 70 percent for the entire regular season (Wilt Chamberlain), but is recognized for his rebounding and shot-blocking skills.

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said this week that Dallas convinced Jordan he deserved a greater role and called his skill set “Shaq like.”

Instead of momentum, the Mavericks are more likely to remember this week for the moratorium and Jordan’s flipped commitment. They did sign shooting guard Wesley Matthews to a four-year deal but only after Monta Ellis (Indiana Pacers) and Tyson Chandler (Phoenix Suns) found new homes.

Ballmer, coach Doc Rivers and four players met with Jordan on Wednesday in Houston, according to multiple reports. Chris Paul, Paul Pierce and J.J. Redick also attended.

The meeting with the Clippers was initiated after Jordan contacted Rivers on Monday night.

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