Mark Cuban Comments on DeAndre Jordan Rejoining Clippers

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban stated early Thursday that he never had the opportunity to speak with DeAndre Jordan during Wednesday's bizarre free-agent drama. Shortly after the signing period opened, the center re-signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, as the team announced on its Twitter feed.  

Jordan was expected to sign with Dallas but apparently had a late change of heart, leading a Clippers contingent to hang out in his home until the deal was official. It capped off a wild day of rumors about Dallas' failed attempts to contact him for a final conversation.

Cuban confirmed he couldn't make that connection and hadn't talked with Jordan since Tuesday night in a message posted on CyberDust. Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com provided the entire message, in which the owner says he'll eventually detail the entire ordeal:

Cuban weighed in on Jordan' decision more on July 10, via Tim MacMahon of ESPN:

Jordan later apologized to Cuban and the Mavericks organization:

"

I am humbled by @DallasMavs & @MCuban kindness and understanding. I am sorry to have a change of heart.

— DeAndre Jordan (@deandrejordan6) July 11, 2015"

MacMahon provided Cuban's response to the apology:

MacMahon also said Cuban indicated he hadn't spoken with Jordan since Tuesday night, but that he did receive a call from Jordan's mother, Kimberly.

Obviously losing out on Jordan significantly alters the team's outlook. As a result, Cuban made it clear he offered Wesley Matthews a chance to consider other options, but he also said the shooting guard is still expected to arrive Thursday in Dallas to join the squad.

Not only is the Jordan loss a setback for the Mavericks, it also raises questions about the free-agent structure of only allowing verbal commitments at the outset. Such an approach leaves the door open for this kind of situation.

The fact Cuban teased some behind-the-scenes information creates plenty of intrigue. There were so many different reports as the situation played out that it became incredibly difficult to separate fact from fiction until the Clippers announced the re-signing.

For now, the Mavericks must head back into the market in an attempt to find a center capable of playing alongside Dirk Nowitzki. It seemed like Jordan was a perfect fit, but he evidently preferred a return to the Clippers.