Derrick Jones Jr. On Picking Mavericks Over Celtics As A Free Agent: “Glad I Made The Decision And Came Here”

Derrick Jones Jr. shared his insight on the decision to join the Mavericks instead of the Celtics in the 2023 offseason.

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Credit: Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports

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.”

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.”

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.”

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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Ishaan Bhattacharya is a content manager for Fadeaway World from New Delhi, India. With his expertise in NBA content creation, Ishaan brings a wealth of experience to his role, contributing to the site's authority and reach within the basketball community. Over the last year, Ishaan has interviewed Ray Allen and Mark Tatum, while also covering the 2023 NBA Abu Dhabi Games which saw the Dallas Mavericks take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.Since joining Fadeaway World in March 2022, Ishaan Bhattacharya has become known for his unique perspective on the NBA. He consistently delivers this insight through his daily news coverage and detailed opinion pieces on the most significant topics in the league.Before his tenure at Fadeaway World, Ishaan worked in corporate communications, where he serviced prominent sports brands, including NBA India, Sports18, Amazon Prime Sports, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. This experience in strategic communications for leading sports entities has enhanced his ability to craft impactful narratives and connect with a global audience.A true MFFLer (Mavs Fan for Life, for the uninitiated), Ishaan is a massive fan of the Dallas Mavericks. When he is not upset about Jalen Brunson walking in free agency, you can see Ishaan as an avid gamer and content creator. His passion for basketball extends beyond the Mavericks, as evidenced by his thoughtfully curated NBA Mount Rushmore, featuring LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Bill Russell—each representing distinct eras and bringing their unique qualities to the game.Featured On: ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Bleacher ReportYahoo Sports, NBA, Fox Sports, The Spun
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