NBA Free Agency: 5 Best Centers Available in 2018

#3 DeAndre Jordan

Denver Nuggets v LA Clippers

DeAndre Jordan's rise in the league was timed exactly right with Chris Paul's trade to the Los Angeles Clippers in December 2011. The trio of CP3, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan gave basketball fans a real treat in Los Angeles for 6 years, before two of the first 3 names departed via trades last season.

Left all alone in a starring role with the Clippers, Jordan proved that he wasn't nearly as reliant as made out to be on Chris Paul - season averages of 12 points and 15.2 rebounds per game are nothing to scoff at. Jordan is one of the best defensive big men in the league today, and a number of teams would instantly raise their profile by signing him.

The roll man in Lob City has a player option for $24 million which he can opt out to get more guaranteed money and a longer contract. Jordan is nearing 30 years of age, and while he has been injury-free thus far and is still playing at an insanely high level, maximizing his skill set, he won't be in such physical shape forever, and there's a risk associated to tying him up long-term. That's the reason why he ends up at #3 on our list, instead of the #2 spot occupied by a similar player.