August 18: Jones is officially a Maverick, the team announced.
“We are excited to welcome Derrick to Dallas,” said GM Nico Harrison. “Derrick has always showcased a team-first approach with his ability to adapt his game to complement his teammates. His versatility on both ends of the floor will allow us to utilize his skillset and athleticism in a variety of different lineups.”
August 9: Free agent forward Derrick Jones Jr. has reached an agreement with the Mavericks, tweets Shams Charania of The Athletic. It’s a one-year deal with a full guarantee, agent Aaron Turner tells Charania.
No other details on the new contract have been released, but Dallas still has $5.4MM of its non-taxpayer mid-level exception remaining, along with its $4.5MM bi-annual exception. Given the lack of information provided by Turner, a veteran’s minimum deal may be more likely.
Jones, 26, became a free agent when he declined his $3.36MM player option with the Bulls in June. He was the last remaining player on the open market who turned down his option for the upcoming season.
Chicago acquired Jones in a three-team trade in 2021 and re-signed him to a two-year, $6.56MM contract last summer that included the option. He appeared in 64 games last season, all off the bench, and averaged 5.0 points and 2.4 rebounds in 14 minutes per night.
Jones may find a greater opportunity with the Mavericks, who have revamped their roster this summer with an emphasis on upgrading their defense.
When Jones’ signing becomes official, he will be team’s 15th standard guaranteed contract. Dallas also has two of its three two-way slots filled, with potential training camp contracts looming for Greg Brown, Joe Wieskamp and Jordan Walker.
Really solid bench player rly good pick up for them
They desperately need(ed) help defensively on the wing/at the 4, so this is a good signing for them. They still need another couple of p7eces though
Good move. This team needs better structure and a different lineup change. One or two moves and this team is golden
I’m pretty shocked DJJ isn’t an all-star by now… the man has skills off the charts.. must be a mental thing. All he was missing was a consistent shot and he would easily be all-nba level. You should see him play (not just a stat sheet).. we called him “the human pogo stick” when he was on the Heat…. sad to see him still riding benches
Consistent play is his problem…
He has the chops, size and quickness to be a Tony Allen on defence… But gets lost too easily in a team scheme…
Used right he could be a solid role player on a lot of teams… All-NBA could be his ceiling, but he needs the right environment and coach…
Riding benches doesn’t dis his athletic talent, only his sports IQ
I like it. Was suprised hewas still unsigned
Have to imagine he’s taking a paycut, unless Dallas is using what remains of their MLE ($5m). Tough break after turning down that option.
This is probably the best move Dallas has made this off season…
Doesn’t fix the black hole on their salary sheet or does it fill their needs…
But it’s a step in the right direction and could help them make the play in…
Nice signing, still one of the best nicknames in NBA history.
Airplane mode