The Philadelphia 76ers may have found a backup big man to support MVP candidate Joel Embiid.
Barring an unlikely waiver claim before the 5 PM ET deadline today, center DeAndre Jordan is expected to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell ESPN. Lakers waived Jordan on Tuesday and Sixers have an open roster spot and desire to add another backup center.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 3, 2022
Philadelphia recently signed fellow center Willie Cauley-Stein to a 10-day contract, but the former sixth-overall pick has only played five minutes in two games with his new club (sitting out Saturday's tilt against the New York Knicks).
Jordan, who played 32 games this season with the Lakers, would presumably get more playing opportunities than Cauley-Stein, who is expected to be released amid the Jordan signing.
Once Jordan clears waivers, the Sixers plan to release Willie Cauley-Stein, who is nearing the end of a 10-day contract, sources said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 3, 2022
In the offseason, the Sixers brought in Embiid's frenemy Andre Drummond to serve as the Cameroonian's backup. Drummond was moved as a part of Philly's blockbuster trade deadline deal with the Brooklyn Nets however, that also saw enigmatic point guard Ben Simmons and sharpshooting guard Seth Curry shipped off.
The 33-year-old Jordan spent the first decade of his playing career with the Los Angeles Clippers, making one All-Star team and earning two spots on the NBA All-Defensive First Team. The Lakers were his fourth team since 2018 however, after stops with the Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Nets.
During his time with the Lakers, Jordan averaged 12.8 minutes and a career-low 4.1 points with 5.4 rebounds per game.
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