DeAndre Jordan Joining the Pelicans: Veteran center DeAndre Jordan signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans on Oct. 24, 2025, adding size and rim protection to a frontcourt that already features Yves Missi and (recently) Deandre Ayton. This piece breaks down Jordan’s age, career stats, contract and career earnings, his college background, and what his arrival means for Pelicans matchups — particularly versus players like Aaron Gordon. Sources and verified links are included at the end.
1) The headline: DeAndre Jordan Joining the Pelicans — Pelicans deal (what happened)
The Pelicans agreed to sign DeAndre Jordan to a one-year contract announced Oct. 24, 2025.
Reports indicate the deal is for roughly $3.6 million and is intended to give New Orleans a veteran center option off the bench.
2) How old is DeAndre Jordan — quick bio snapshot
DeAndre Jordan was born July 21, 1988, so he is 37 years old in 2025.
Jordan is a 6’11” center from Houston, Texas, who entered the NBA after one season of college ball at Texas A&M.
3) Career overview & signature strengths
Jordan is best known as a rebounder, rim protector and elite on-court lob finisher across a long NBA career.
He’s a former All-Star, two-time rebounding leader, and at one point led the league in field-goal percentage — strengths the Pelicans will try to leverage in late-game and matchup situations.
4) Key career stats you should know
Across his NBA career (1,100+ games), Jordan’s career averages are roughly 8–9 points and about 9–10 rebounds per game, with elite career field-goal percentage reflecting most shots being at the rim.
Jordan’s full stat breakdown and game logs are available at Basketball-Reference for fans who want season-by-season detail.
5) Contract details and what it means for the Pelicans’ cap
The one-year deal reported Oct. 24, 2025, is roughly $3.6M and gives New Orleans short-term, veteran-minimum style center depth.
For a contending club that needs experienced bigs for playoff rotations, a short deal like this is inexpensive insurance and leaves roster flexibility for other moves.
6) Career earnings — Jordan’s NBA payday so far
DeAndre Jordan ranks among the higher lifetime earners in NBA history due to long-term contracts and consistent roster demand.
Career-earnings trackers list Jordan’s cumulative NBA earnings in the ballpark of $175–178 million across his career to date. That places him on long-career earnings leaderboards.
7) Where DeAndre Jordan played college basketball
Jordan played one season of college basketball at Texas A&M before declaring for the 2008 NBA Draft.
His athleticism and defensive upside made him a desirable draft pick and set the stage for a long NBA career.
8) How Jordan fits with the Pelicans: Ayton, Yves Missi and Aaron Gordon
• With Yves Missi: The Pelicans have invested in young frontcourt talent — 21-year-old Yves Missi (Baylor product, 2024 first-round pick) provides mobility and rebounding upside. Jordan’s veteran presence helps mentor Missi and offers a matchup option when the team wants a physical rim anchor.
• With Deandre Ayton: Ayton was a high-profile addition to the Lakers earlier in 2025 after a summer buyout, but roster movement in the offseason has often involved Ayton in trade/buyout headlines. Regardless, the modern Pelicans–opponent matchup often features bigs with Ayton’s profile, so Jordan’s experience against large, physical centers is valuable. (Ayton’s buyout and subsequent signing news provide context on the big-man market in 2025.)
• When Aaron Gordon shows up: Aaron Gordon — an athletic forward who has faced New Orleans frequently — creates matchup problems with pick-and-roll and switchability. Jordan’s role will be to limit offensive rebounds and contest finishes when wings like Gordon attack the rim. Historical matchup numbers and situational minutes will determine how often Jordan faces Gordon directly.
9) What fans and fantasy players should watch this season
If Jordan stays healthy and rotates into minutes selectively, he can still deliver rebounds, offensive-rim field-goal efficiency and veteran interior defense.
Fantasy managers who value rebounds and blocks should monitor Jordan’s minutes early in the Pelicans’ season; his counting stats depend heavily on playing time and the team’s rotation choices.
Sidebars — quick facts & helpful checklists
Quick facts
• DOB: July 21, 1988 (Age 37).
• College: Texas A&M (declared for 2008 Draft after freshman season).
• Notable career awards: All-Star (2017), multiple All-Defense nods, rebounding titles.
For Pelicans season-ticket holders
• Expect Jordan to be a late-game replacement on the glass and a defensive presence when opposing teams play size.
• Watch rotation reports and early regular-season box scores to learn how coach Willie Green deploys the veteran center.
Timeline: What led to this signing (fast recap)
- Summer/Fall 2025: DeAndre Jordan played with Denver in 2024–25 and remained a free agent into the early 2025–26 season.
- Oct. 24, 2025: Pelicans and Jordan agreed to a one-year deal that provides veteran depth up front.
- Why now? Injuries and the need for experienced rim protection often prompt playoff-ready teams to sign veterans on short deals as the regular season begins.