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Summary

Despite having some solid physical tools, the 30th overall pick in 2016 as yet to make an impact in the NBA. The Warriors at times really struggled to find a center they could trust, and Jones was never to claim that spot in the way that Kevon Looney eventually did.

 

Jones doesn't have the positional awareness on defense to be the rim protector that the Warriors hoped he would become. He doesn't know how to use verticality the way the best defenders, like former teammate Draymond Green, are able to do. On offense, Jones is not much of a threat, as he fails to make plays in pick-and-roll and is not skilled enough to be a scoring threat inside.

 

For Atlanta, Jones was given a good amount of minutes, but the Hawks traded for two centers at the trade deadline, likely showing they do not have an interest in keeping Jones long-term. Jones may have very little interest as a free agent this offseason, and could be out of the league soon.

Cap Considerations

Jones will be a restricted free agent with a $6.9 million cap hold and a $3.5 million Qualifying Offer. The Hawks are unlikely to offer the $3.5 million QO and make Jones a restricted free agent. Although the Hawks will likely not need the additional cap space gained by renouncing him, Jones would likely sign the $3.5 million QO if it were offered to him, as that is more than he will get on the open market. As such, Jones will almost certainly become an unrestricted free agent. The Hawks could still bring Jones back using cap space, the Room Mid-Level Exception, or on a minimum contract.

 

For other teams, Jones will be available no matter what the cap situation is for that team, as his salary will likely only be for the minimum, and if not, would certainly fit within any of the Mid-Level Exceptions.

Potential Teams: Timberwolves, Heat, Thunder, Hornets, Raptors

Predicted Contract: 1-year, $1.7 million (non-guaranteed) with the Timberwolves.

Actual Contract: 2-year, $3.7 million ($350k guaranteed) with the Suns.

Not only did Jones got more guaranteed money than I expected, but it looks like he will stick around on the Suns' roster, at least for this season.

Last updated: 12/31/2020

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