Blake Griffin, LA Clippers Standing Guard Over DeAndre Jordan As NBA Signing Day Approaches
Blake Griffin has DeAndre Jordan's back, and whatever else that's needed.
The Los Angeles Clipper All-Star forward tweeted out a photo of a chair he was using to sit in as he stood guard at the free agent center's door.
The 26-year-old has spent the last seven seasons with the Clippers, but as a free agent he also announced earlier this month he was bolting to join the Western Conference rival Dallas Mavericks.
But between then and signing on the dotted line with owner Mark Cuban's team for four years and $80 million, Jordan had a change of heart and announced he was returning to the Clips. Rumored to be one of Jordan's best friends on the team, Griffin jokingly hinted he is now taking it upon himself to preserve what he and the Clips have.
One person not much in the mood for any jokes appears to be Cuban. According to ESPN, on Wednesday Jordan stopped responding to the Mavs' calls and test messages, forcing Cuban into the unenviable role of informing people within the organization that Jordan would be staying with the Clippers.
Earlier this week, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, coach Doc Rivers and star players Griffin and Chris Paul headed to Houston in spirited attempt to convince Jordan to return to L.A.
The earliest Jordan can officially sign with any team is 12:01 a.m. Thursday and Clippers' officials planned to remain at Jordan's side until they officially closed the deal.
Reports are Paul cut short a Caribbean vacation with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade to take part in the meetings and attempt to smooth over tensions with Jordan.
Rumors are Paul was emotional during the meeting they had and promised he would make a greater effort to get him the ball more often.
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