Derrick Jones Jr. left the Dallas Mavericks for the LA Clippers, signing a 3-year, $30 million deal. The Mavericks had a busy offseason, bringing in three new players, including Naji Marshall from the New Orleans Pelicans, after it became clear Jones wouldn’t return.
At the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Jones explained his decision to join the Clippers. He stated that discussions with the team’s ownership, front office, and coaching staff convinced him that they wanted him to fill a 3/4 role, be aggressive offensively, and maintain his defensive prowess. He aims to help the team win a championship.
The Clippers, having lost Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency, pivoted to other options, including Jones Jr., Nic Batum, and re-signing James Harden.
Despite some expectations for the Clippers to retool around the fringes after losing to the Mavericks in six games in the first round of the Playoffs, they couldn’t reach an agreement with George, who sought a fourth year on his contract.
Dallas had offered Jones Jr. a similar contract to Marshall’s 3-year, $27 million deal. Despite potentially earning less after taxes, Jones saw a clearer starting path with the Clippers. With the Mavericks’ additions of Klay Thompson and Marshall, his starting position wasn’t guaranteed. Jones was crucial for the Mavs in the Playoffs, especially with his on-ball defense against players like George and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and his shooting was impressive in the Oklahoma City series. However, his hot shooting didn’t continue into the NBA Finals.
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