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[Saba Sports News] The Dallas Mavericks’ forward seems happy to stay put.
Mavericks forward Derrick Jones Jr. spoke with French journalist Remi Reverchon ahead of Dallas’ NBA Finals matchup against the Boston Celtics. In the interview, Jones discussed his upcoming free agency after the season.
“I’m planning on being here,” he said of Dallas. “I don’t want to go anywhere… I tell everybody, I love it here. As long as we can get everything situated, I’m staying. I love it in Dallas.”
Much attention has been given to the Mavericks’ acquisitions of Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington through midseason trades and Dereck Lively through the draft, which helped propel them to the Western Conference title. However, Jones’ signing last summer on a one-year contract for the league minimum has arguably been just as important.
The 27-year-old Jones offers lineup versatility with his ability to play both forward spots and regularly takes on the toughest defensive assignments with his length and physicality. As a former Slam Dunk Contest champion, Jones also adds another lob threat on offense with his cuts from the wing.
Jones has clearly earned a larger contract for next season, especially after shooting a career-best 34.3 percent from three this year (now up to 39.6 percent in the playoffs). However, the Mavericks are already making moves to keep their current group together and seem to have a good chance of convincing Jones to stay.