Nets trade DeAndre Jordan, re-sign LaMarcus Aldridge

DeAndre Jordan is heading to Detroit, but a buyout might be in the cards. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Nets trading DeAndre Jordan to Pistons, re-signing LaMarcus Aldridge

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 9/3/21

Center DeAndre Jordan will not be running it back with the Brooklyn Nets for a third season in pursuit of an NBA championship.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Malika Andrews report the Nets are trading Jordan, second-round draft picks in 2022 and 2027, a 2024 second-round pick via the Washington Wizards, a 2025 second-round selection via the Golden State Warriors and $5.78 million to the Detroit Pistons for Jahlil Okafor and Sekou Doumbouya.

Jordan, 33, likely won't be linked with Detroit for long, as the Pistons want to buy him out. He has two years and $20 million left on his contract, and ESPN notes the Los Angeles Lakers could add him to the long list of veterans acquired by the franchise this offseason.

Brooklyn is also signing veteran LaMarcus Aldridge to a one-year deal:

After retiring with heart concerns five months ago, seven-time All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge is returning on a one-year, $2.6 million deal with the Brooklyn Nets, his agent Jeff Schwartz of @excelbasketball tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 3, 2021

Aldridge has been medically cleared by a number of doctors – including those both independent and Nets-affiliated – to make a return for his 16th season, Schwartz tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 3, 2021

Before putting pen to paper on an agreement with Aldridge, the Nets were able to save $47 million in salary and luxury tax via the transaction with Detroit.

Interestingly, Jordan became surplus to requirements in Brooklyn once the Nets landed Blake Griffin in March. Griffin re-signed with the Nets in August, but it seems head coach Steve Nash thinks adding Aldridge back into the mix won't be an issue.

Aldridge initially retired in April while with the Nets due to an irregular heartbeat.

"I retired in April based on what I believed was the wisest precautionary decision for my personal health at the time, but further testing and evaluation by several top physicians has convinced the doctors, myself and the Nets that I'm fully cleared and able to return to the rigors of the NBA," Aldridge told ESPN via a prepared statement. "I loved my brief time with Brooklyn and am excited to rejoin the team in pursuit of a championship."

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