Once clearing waivers Thursday, free agent center DeAndre Jordan is expected to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers for the rest of the season, sources told ESPN.
Teams have until 5 p.m. ET on Thursday to make a claim on Jordan, but there’s so far no indication that was likely happen, sources said.
The Lakers waived Jordan on Tuesday, using the roster spot to sign veteran guard DJ Augustin.
The Sixers have been aggressive in pursuit of a backup center since including Andre Drummond in the trade deadline deal to acquire James Harden, sources said, and the Lakers’ waiving of Jordan, 33, on Monday moves them closer to filling that roster hole.
Jordan, who signed a one-year, $2.6 million minimum deal to join the Lakers this season, would save the Sixers $2.3 million in luxury tax if he signed a free agent deal instead of getting claimed on waivers. The Sixers have an open roster to take on Jordan.
Jordan started 19 games this season before dropping out of the team’s rotation. Jordan was All-NBA first-team with the Clippers in 2016, and a two-time All-NBA defensive first-team choice in 2015 and 2016.
