NOVEMBER 22: The Trail Blazers have officially signed Jones, the team confirmed today in a press release.
“Derrick’s elite athleticism, defensive versatility and ability to rebound on both ends of the floor enable him to make an immediate impact in multiple areas of need,” president of basketball operations Neil Olshey said in a statement.
NOVEMBER 20: The Trail Blazers have reached an agreement with free agent wing Derrick Jones, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link). Charania reports that Jones will sign a two-year deal worth $19MM, which suggests Portland will use its mid-level exception to complete the deal.
The second year includes a player option, according to The Athletic’s David Aldridge (Twitter link). Jones is expected to back up Robert Covington, who is headed to Portland in a trade with Houston.
The Heat, who had a number of free agent decisions to make, opted not to offer mid-level money to Jones, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald tweets. Jones was interested in returning to Miami, Jackson adds.
Jones, 23, averaged 8.5 PPG, 3.9 RPG and 1.1 APG in 23.3 MPG during 59 regular-season appearances last season. He battled through a bout with COVID-19 prior to the restart. Jones appeared in 15 postseason games but had a diminished role.
Dudes garbage. Massive overpay.
Yeah quite a bit of an over pay but I think he’s a good player and a good pickup for the Blazers. Price is costly though. Are there no guys left? Looks like they had to pay big?
Why not sign kcp for a couple million more?
Blazers making some noise. I’ve been saying for 4 years that the Blazers are on the verge of contending but they just need to pick up some quality wings. I think Carmelo showed them last year what can happen with a guy who’s a threat on the wing.
Now the Blazers are like, hey let’s get some of these guys. Look out for the Blazers this year they could be a surprising challenge if the guards hold up like they have been the last 6 years.
Harrell is a flawed player but it’s kinda shocking that Derrick Jones Jr. got virtually the same contract as him.
Its all about cap space. All the Lakers had was that mid-level thing for 9 million whatever.
Look what Alec Burke’s got 9 million or something? And old man Garrett Temple 5 million. These defensive guys on the wing who can scored a tad but just know what to do out there are costly.
Oops, Burke 6 mil. So yeah this is quite a bit of money for Derrick Jones at 9.5.
Great fit for Portland, and a really sad moment for me, as a Heat fan. I would rather have DJJ 100000 times before Meyers Leonard
Now that he should be guaranteed rotation minutes, I expect DJJ to be a big piece for them on the wing, especially defensively
Heat should sign Ty-Shon Alexander to a deal. He reminds me of Josh Richardson. Having DJJ allowed the Heat to mitigate that loss.
Good deal for Portland
The HEAT losing DJJ was fully expected ……… it was just a matter of what team will take him & the offer.
This is a clear overpay and a risky one at that.
DJJ is uber-athletic but he can’t make his own shot. His real value is on defense, specifically on a team-oriented defense – like the zones that the HEAT employ and the BLAZERS do not.
The Blazers and the Heat seem to love switching players
DJJ is a solid player but he’s pretty much maxed out in skill. Glad Heat didn’t budge on giving him a second guaranteed year.
Three team trade
Blazers: Kevin Love, Josh Richardson
Mavs: CJ McCollum and Cedi Osman
Cavs: Tim Hardaway Jr, Dwight Powell, Nas Little and a pair of second rounder from Portland
Portland
1. Dame. Simons
2. Hood. Richardson. Trent Jr
3. Covington. Jones Jr
4. Love. Collins
5. Nurkic. Kanter
Portland become huge contenders with a star studded line up and solid depth. That can score well, defend better and are much deeper.
Mavs upgrade from Hardaway to McCollum adding a third star which also takes pressure of Doncic on scoring and playmaking. Osman comes in for Richardson and his international background will fit the locker room well and he’s also a better shooter.
Cavs get rid of Loves long and expensive contract and save cap space getting Hardaways expiring deal which will also be an asset at the trade deadline. Plus add young promising Nassir Little and a pair of seconds.
Why do we always spend our money so stupidly when we have it (which is like never!!!)
With Covington and DDJ in, Rodney Hood may start feeling the urge to move on, even with an $8mil option. Too bad when you lose your spot to injury but RoCo is better. DDJ is not but they’re paying him more money.
Hood re-signed before DJJ got signed. I thought you knew though since you’re a know it all