Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: Derrick Jones Jr. On Picking Mavericks Over Celtics As A Free Agent: “Glad I Made The Decision And Came Here”
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > Derrick Jones Jr. On Picking Mavericks Over Celtics As A Free Agent: “Glad I Made The Decision And Came Here”

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.

Ishaan Bhattacharya
Jun 3, 2024
5 Min Read
Share

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.”

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.

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Boston Celtics ArchiveDallas Mavericks ArchiveDerrick Jones Jr.
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByIshaan Bhattacharya
Follow:
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 Report, Yahoo Sports, NBA, Fox Sports, The Spun
Previous Article Former Celtics Player Explains How Stephen Curry Destroyed Them In 2022 NBA Finals
Next Article Tom Thibodeau Expected To Sign $10 Million Contract Extension With Knicks
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Brooklyn, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) high fives head coach JJ Redick during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

JJ Redick Provides Update On Luka Doncic After He Gets Ruled Out For Lakers’ First 2 Preseason Games

October 3, 2025
Devin Booker
Phoenix Suns News & Analysis

Devin Booker Reveals He Has “Unfinished Business” With Phoenix Suns

October 3, 2025
Jayson Tatum
Boston Celtics News & Analysis

New Return Date For Jayson Tatum Could Put Celtics Back In Championship Picture

October 3, 2025
Warriors star Jimmy Butler
Golden State Warriors News & Analysis

Stephen Curry Says Jimmy Butler Gives Warriors “Legitimate Shot” At 2026 Title

October 3, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?