Three options if Dallas Mavericks don’t land DeAndre Jordan

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LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 7: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on April 7, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Dallas Mavericks have made DeAndre Jordan their primary target for free agency, but the plan to trade for him with the Clippers is the only guarantee that we can get him. What should the Mavs backup plans be if this doesn’t work (again).

We all know that DeAndre Jordan shouldn’t be relied on to make his own decision. I am all for the Dallas Mavericks acquiring him, but if he opts out of his final year with the LA Clippers, his trustworthiness is going to take a hit. Because of that, the Mavs need to have some contingency plans.

Here are three options for them to consider.

OAKLAND, CA – MAY 20: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets plays defense against the Golden State Warriors in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 20, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Clint Capela

This is still the obvious choice in my opinion. Clint Capela is already a game-changing type center at 24 years old. He is an excellent rebounder, a strong finisher above the rim, and an improving rim defender that has not even touched his prime years yet. He was even a nominee for the Most Improved Player award this season and likely would’ve won if Victor Oladipo did not do what he did this year.

Capela would demand a lot of money for the Rockets to even consider letting him walk this summer. In fact, even a max contract would still likely be matched by the Rockets unless they knew something about LeBron James’ upcoming decision. Capela is a very important part of this team that came very close to dethroning the Warriors this past season.

If the Mavs land Capela, they have their center for the future. This guy can do a whole lot to improve this team and would give Dallas their first rim runner since letting Tyson Chandler go for the second time.

The chances of getting Clint Capela are slim to none and the Mavericks probably know that. Still, if they swing for the fences and come up short, it is not all bad and Dallas will get another chance to retry next year.