The Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder are currently tied 2-2 in the second round of the NBA Finals. As the club prepares for its second Western Conference Finals trip in two years, they are playing some of their finest basketball of the season. The Mavericks, led by the electric backcourt tandem of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, have been on fire this postseason. Fortunately for the team, everyone but one starter in the rotation is under contract beyond this season. And the one exception, Derrick Jones Jr., does not appear to be leaving anytime soon. Jones’ agent, Aaron Turner, said the 27-year-old “wants to be back” in Dallas following the season.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72855488/1775234963.0.jpg)
“He loves his teammates, he loves Jason Kidd, he really likes the front office, (Mavericks president) Nico (Harrison) and Matt Riccardi,” Turner stated. “He wants to be back.”
Jones, who played for four different teams in seven seasons before signing with the Mavericks last summer, has found a home in Dallas. This season, the former Slam Dunk champion started 66 of the Mavericks’ games, a career high. Jones averaged 8.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and one assist per game. Furthermore, he shot 48.3% from the field and 34.3% from three-point range. Jones has also started all ten of the Mavericks’ playoff games thus far.
Dallas Mavericks Starter Wants to Remain With the Team
Derrick Jones Jr. Will Likely Still Test the Market
Although Jones apparently wants to return to Dallas this offseason, he will most likely take his time making a decision. According to Turner, Jones plans to test the market in free agency this offseason. Furthermore, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd stated that he “definitely” wants the team to re-sign Jones.
Turner expects Jones to test the market, as anyone in his position would. They hope Dallas can meet them at a price that works for both parties. “We understand the business (and that) there’s other teams that can maybe pay him more,” Kidd stated. “However, we definitely want him back.
Jones is in the midst of his most successful season yet, so it makes sense for him to assess his market. However, it appears like Jones will remain in Dallas nonetheless.
What Derrick Jones Jr. Brings to Dallas
Jones’ agility and defensive abilities make him vital to the Mavericks. Kidd discussed Jones’ defensive abilities and why he “always” wanted him on the team.
“What I saw was his ability to guard,” Kidd remarked. “This was long before we signed him. I saw him up close in several games and thought, ‘Man, it’d be amazing if we could have him on our side.'”
Furthermore, despite his streaky scoring, he may provide a lift to the offense when he is hot. He also exudes energy and remains one of the NBA’s finest dunkers. Furthermore, after signing with the Mavericks, Jones mentioned his work ethic as one of his greatest characteristics.
“I’ve done a lot of work behind the scenes. So far in my career, I haven’t received the attention I believe I deserve, but I believe this year will be the year.I plan to shoot whenever there are open shots, drive whenever there is an open lane, and play easy basketball.
