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Summary

Jones has found a home in Miami, getting consistent minutes for the first time in his career over the past two season. While his lack of a jump shot makes it difficult to be effective as a wing, Jones finds other ways to make plays. He attacks the offensive glass like a maniac, being at the top of the league in offensive rebounding rate for his position. His long arms and athleticism allow him to make plays on defense, being near the top of the league in block rate for his position as well.

 

Jones will still only be 23 years old when he hits free agency this offseason, and will be looking for his first big NBA contract. While he probably hasn't proven enough to get paid like a full-fledged starter, he should get a solid contract.

Cap Considerations

JJones will be an unrestricted free agent with a $1.6 million cap hold and full Bird rights. If the Heat decide to operate under the salary cap next summer, Jones's low cap hold could be benefical, as they could keep his cap hold on the books, use cap space to sign free agents, and then use Bird Rights to re-sign Jones.

 

If Jones is brought back on a multi-year contract above the minimum, the Heat should frontload his contract if they can do so while still maximizing 2021 cap space, as they could do so without getting near the luxury tax while still maximizing cap space and flexibility in future years.

 

If Jones demands a starting salary of more than the $9.3 million Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, only teams with cap space will be able to sign him. If Jones and an above-the-cap team have mutual interest, sign-and-trade options can be explored.

Potential Teams: Heat, Timberwolves, Pistons, Raptors, Hawks

Predicted Contract: 2-year, $15 million with the Heat

Actual Contract: 2-year, $19 million (player option) with the Trailblazers

Last updated: 12/31/2020

I wasn't sure how much Jones would suffer from only getting few minutes in the playoffs, but apparently his value still held through as he was able to get a two-year deal at the full MLE, including a player option on the second year.

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