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Ex-Mavericks F Derrick Jones Jr. agrees to three-year deal with Clippers, reports say

Before Jones agreed to the Clippers move, Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison said re-signing Jones was ‘priority 1A and 1B.’

Derrick Jones Jr. will continue his playing career elsewhere.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times, the former Dallas Mavericks forward has agreed to a three-year contract worth $30 million with the Los Angeles Clippers. The move was reported after Dallas agreed to a deal with forward Naji Marshall.

Before Jones agreed to the Clippers move, Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison said re-signing Jones was “priority 1A and 1B.” Jones reportedly switched agents this week from Aaron Turner of Verus Management Team to Rich Paul’s Klutch Sports Group.

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Verbal commitments are non-binding until the free agency moratorium is lifted. Free agents can officially sign contracts on Saturday at 11:01 a.m.

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Jones declined his player option worth $3.3 million with the Chicago Bulls last summer and bet on himself to accept a one-year deal with the Mavericks worth $2 million. He was signed to provide more depth at the forward position, but turned into a main fixture in the Mavericks’ starting lineup.

Jones started 76 games during the regular season and all 22 games of the postseason. He averaged career-highs in points (8.6) and 3-point percentage (34%). His offense improved this season, but defense made Jones someone the Mavericks wished to keep around for the next few years. He recorded at least 50 blocks and 50 steals for the first time in his career.

Jones, 27, has been in the NBA for eight years and he’s played for the Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat, Portland Trail Blazers, Bulls and Mavericks. His new contract will carry him through his prime.

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By trading Tim Hardaway Jr. to Detroit, the Mavericks reduced their payroll to open the full non-tax mid-level exception ($12.9 million slot which allows teams to offer up to four years), which made it possible to offer Marshall a contract. Marshall, an experienced 3-and-D wing, figures to fill the spot left by Jones. The Mavericks also hold a biannual exception worth $4.7 million.

The Mavericks will continue prioritizing other free-agent matters. Markieff Morris is an unrestricted free agent. Dallas is also in need of an additional playmaker to supplement Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, along with a big man who can space the floor with perimeter shooting. Bolstering those areas will make the Mavericks formidable for another deep playoff run next season.

Twitter/X: @MikeACurtis2

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