In the recent postseason, Derrick Jones Jr. showcased an impressive performance for the Dallas Mavericks, although they fell short in the NBA Finals. Despite playing on a one-year veteran league minimum contract of $2.7 million for the 2023-24 season, Jones Jr. proved his worth and secured a larger contract.
At the age of 27, Jones Jr. made a significant impact for Dallas during the postseason. As soon as free agency began at 6:00 p.m. EST yesterday, he quickly found a new home with the LA Clippers. The former undrafted player signed a lucrative three-year deal worth $30 million.
After putting in eight seasons of hard work, Derrick Jones Jr. signs his biggest career contract at $30 million over three years
Free agent forward Derrick Jones Jr. plans to sign a three-year, $30 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Major pickup for the Clippers. pic.twitter.com/ANwrqHAczJ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2024
Throughout the 2023-24 season, Jones Jr. delivered one of his best performances to date. Playing a career-high 76 games with 66 starts for the Mavericks, he brought a heightened level of intensity to the team’s defense. Head coach Jason Kidd particularly valued his contributions, especially in the playoffs where he started in all 22 games and averaged 9.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.
Furthermore, Jones Jr. displayed a solid (.369) shooting percentage from beyond the arc and made crucial shots for Dallas in the postseason. With his one-year deal with the team expiring, he seized the opportunity in free agency and secured a new contract with the Clippers. Following Paul George’s departure to the 76ers, the Clippers had the financial flexibility to sign Jones Jr.
Derrick Jones Jr as a Mav:
— Career-high in PTS
— Career-high in REB
— Career-high in AST
— Career-high in 3PM
— Career-high in 3P% pic.twitter.com/MVHxMxy2d2— StatMuse (@statmuse) July 1, 2024
While Jones Jr. may not directly replace Paul George’s production, he remains a valuable role player for the Clippers and could potentially secure a starting position next season. He will join forces with James Harden, who recently signed a two-year, $70 million extension, and Kawhi Leonard, whose contract was extended last season. Additionally, reports suggest that the team is exploring trade options for Russell Westbrook, indicating that the Clippers will undergo significant changes in the upcoming 2024-25 season.
