Report: Despite minimal odds, Warriors to explore signing DeAndre

As the saying goes, "you'll never know unless you try."

The Golden State Warriors reportedly know their chances are slim to none, but that isn't going to stop them from at least exploring the possibility of signing center DeAndre Jordan, league sources told the New York Times' Marc Stein.

Jordan, who opted out of his $24.1-million player option with the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, is close friends with reigning two-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Kevin Durant, as well as a former client of Warriors general manager Bob Myers.

The idea of bringing on the near 7-footer has reportedly been "whispered around" the Warriors organization for months. It was back in 2011 when Golden State actually signed Jordan - a restricted free agent at the time - to a $43-million offer sheet, although it was eventually matched.

It would take an enormous financial sacrifice on Jordan's part to make a pairing with the champion Warriors a reality. Golden State can only offer, as Stein acknowledges, the mid-level taxpayer exception of roughly $5.3 million, which is $18.8 million less than what he would have received had he opted in with the Clippers.

Add in the luxury tax, and a signing would cost the Warriors upwards of $27 million.

Jordan finished second in the Association last season in both field-goal percentage (64.5 percent) and rebounding (15.2 boards per game), adding 12 points and 0.9 rejections in 31.5 minutes for the Clippers.