Derrick Jones Jr. had to make a decision last summer. He could either join a guaranteed contender like the Boston Celtics to give them forward depth or join the fledgling Dallas Mavericks to have a chance to earn a starting spot on a team needing forward play. He chose the Mavs and reflected on the choice he was faced with and how happy he was with the decision he took.
“It is kind of funny. But I’m glad I made the decision I did and came here.”
Dallas Mavericks wing Derrick Jones Jr. on facing the Boston Celtics (the team he was deciding between with Dallas last summer):
“I’m glad I made the decision I did and came here.”
Jones Jr. will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. pic.twitter.com/Wv6wKheRNM
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) June 2, 2024
Jones signed on a one-year, $2.09 million contract, the applicable veteran minimum for the 27-year-old wing. He turned down a $3.3 million player option on his contract with the Bulls to take less for a greater opportunity on the Mavs, as he explained to the media.
“I could have accepted my player option in Chicago… I just decided to bet on myself and took less money to come here but the money wasn’t the problem… wanted to have the opportunity to be on the floor and showcase what I’m able to do and it happened for me.”
Derrick Jones Jr: “I could have accepted my player option in Chicago… I just decided to bet on myself and took less money to come here but the money wasn't the problem… wanted to have the opportunity to be on the floor and showcase what I'm able to do and it happened for me.” pic.twitter.com/vfYCyCODqG
— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) June 2, 2024
Jones Jr. has set himself up perfectly to be a major free agent in the 2024 offseason. The Mavericks will do their best to retain the forward, but he’s proven his worth as an athletic 3-and-D talent, which is one of the key reasons why the Mavericks have been among the best defensive teams in the NBA since March 2024.
The bet has worked out, as he is expected to either sign a contract worth more than non-tax mid-level with another team if he leaves the Mavericks, with the Dallas-based franchise needing to shed salary to open up more space to accommodate Jones’ re-signing.
DJJ averaged 8.6 points and 3.3 rebounds this season, improving his numbers to 9.8 points and 3.6 rebounds in the Playoffs. He will be tasked with guarding either Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown, two players he likely would have been a backup behind if he did choose the Celtics over the Mavs last summer.
Derrick Jones Jr. Is A Veteran Influence On The Mavericks
Even though DJJ is just 27 years old, his locker-room influence has been a big factor in his success. The eight-year NBA veteran is building relationships with the rookies on the team, giving a glowing review of what Dereck Lively II achieved this season.
“Since day one when D-Live came in here, we knew that he could be special. He came in here, 19, running the floor, he had a lot of energy, rebound the ball at a high level, and that’s all we could expect from him. That’s all we could ask… Next year we expect him to step up and we expect him to step up even more in the Finals right now.”
Derrick Jones Jr. on Dereck Lively II:
“Since day one when D-Live came in here, we knew that he could be special. He came in here, 19, running the floor, he had a lot of energy, rebound the ball at a high level, and that’s all we could expect from him. That’s all we could… pic.twitter.com/r6pNjxlWgb
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) June 2, 2024
His unselfish play on the court this season has made him a favorite of the fanbase and the roster. Retaining him will be a tall hill to climb, similar to how the Nuggets lost Bruce Brown last season, but the Mavericks need to try to move heaven and earth to make sure he stays on.
He’s the ideal forward on a team with a point guard like Luka Doncic, as he can absorb defensive pressure from opposing guards and wings while being a catch-and-shoot option in the corner or a lob threat if he has an open lane. He is a great driver of the ball on open-lane opportunities and has the skill to make the right pass when required.
Jones bet on himself with a cheap contract this season but has put himself in line for a career-defining payday this summer, regardless of how the 2024 NBA Finals play out.
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