NBA Rumors: Mavs' Derrick Jones Jr. Signs Klutch Sports Contract Before Free Agency
June 29, 2024
Dallas Mavericks small forward Derrick Jones Jr. has reportedly signed with Rich Paul's Klutch Sports ahead of his impending free agency, per NBA insider Marc Stein.
Jones, an eight-year veteran, signed a one-year, $2.7 million contract with the Mavericks ahead of the 2023-24 season, but will likely be looking for a higher figure after showing tremendous growth last year.
He averaged a career-high 8.6 points per game and was a valuable starter for most of the year, playing 23.5 minutes per game.
It's unclear why Jones decided to switch agents ahead of the offseason, but it is clear he's looking for a solid contract offer, whether that be with Dallas or somewhere else.
Last week, Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison said that re-signing Jones is "priority one, 1A, and 1B," per D Magazine's Jake Kemp, so it's clear Dallas will be prepared to offer him a solid deal. But Jones could choose to take his talents elsewhere, and one place comes to mind considering Paul is now his agent.
Paul is best known for representing Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, and the sports agent has been successful in bringing his clients to the Lakers.
Whether Jones' signing is an indication that he's leaning towards Los Angeles this summer is up for interpretation, but it's something to watch for as free agency begins.
Luckily for Dallas, it only has two unrestricted free agents this offseason—Jones and Marcus Morris Sr.—so the Mavs can count on most of its NBA Finals-contending team running it back next year.
