July 8th: A Historic Day in NBA
On July 8th, 2010, LeBron James announced in a televised special on ESPN that he was leaving Cleveland and taking his talents to South Florida. This day was already in NBA history. Five years later, on July 8th, 2015, it became one of the most hysterical, entertaining, and crazy days in NBA market history. It demonstrated that the rules have changed, with social media as a driving force, and could have serious consequences for the future. The main event: DeAndre Jordan backs out of the agreement with the Dallas Mavericks and re-signs with the Los Angeles Clippers. He didn't do it for the maximum offer from the LA franchise, almost 110 million over five years, but for about 84 million over four seasons, with a player option to opt out after the third year. His previous verbal agreement with the Mavs was for four years and a little over 80 million dollars.
The Moratorium Period and the NBA Madness
The key was the moratorium period that separated the opening of the market on July 1st to the day when contracts could be officially closed and signed, which is today, July 9th. Previously, this period was just a formality that allowed time for bureaucratic operations for franchises. This time, however, it became the center of a few hours of madness that left the NBA, thanks to Twitter, completely stunned. According to a more or less official reconstruction of the events, DeAndre Jordan had been in contact with Doc Rivers and Blake Griffin in the past few days to inform them that he regretted his commitment to the Mavericks. It appears that the player's agent, Dan Fegan, played an essential role in this matter. Faced with the possibility of undoing a step that left the franchise trembling for the upcoming season, the Clippers mobilize and head to Houston, where DeAndre, who was about to go on a cruise with his family, resides. Doc Rivers, owner Steve Ballmer, Chris Paul, Paul Pierce, JJ Redick, and Blake Griffin arrive in Texas after narrating their urgent move via Twitter, mainly using emojis. This tweet chain goes viral, and it is joined by franchises like the Golden State Warriors and legends like James Worthy or the official Michael Jordan Brand account.
The Dramatic Turn of Events
Once in Houston, things happen quickly because DeAndre has made up his mind. He doesn't even give the Mavericks the opportunity to speak with him and commits to the Clippers, who, to add to the tragicomic tone of the day, get locked inside the player's house until it officially becomes July 9th and he signs his contract. As if they wanted to keep him to prevent another change of heart. In reality, the agreement takes minutes, and the rest of the day is spent by the players, once again teammates, playing cards and video games.
Clippers Revived, Mavericks Left Without a Center
Also through social media, Chris Paul addresses his alleged bad relationship with DeAndre, which was one of the reasons given to explain the initial decision of the center, who gave up money to go to the Mavericks, who are now left without a center. They go from contenders to a struggling team, exactly like the Clippers were just 48 hours ago. However, there is some consolation: Wesley Matthews has made it clear that he will not back out. He will indeed sign with the Mavericks.