Veteran center Damian Jones has exercised his player option for the 2023/24 season, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link).
The move guarantees Jones’ minimum salary ($2,586,665) for next season, so the Jazz will be on the hook for that full amount.
The opt-in doesn’t necessarily assure the big man of a return to Utah though, since he’ll immediately become trade-eligible once his option is officially picked up. He could be traded or released if he’s not in the team’s plans going forward.
A former first-round pick, Jones signed with the Lakers last offseason after playing for five different teams in his first six NBA seasons, then was sent to the Jazz in the three-team trade-deadline deal involving D’Angelo Russell, Russell Westbrook, and Mike Conley.
Jones saw more regular playing time in Utah than he had in Los Angeles, averaging 4.6 points and 3.5 rebounds in 15.8 minutes per contest in his 19 appearances. In total, he played in 41 regular season games and averaged 3.5 PPG and 3.0 RPG in 11.6 MPG.
Jones, who will turn 28 later this month, is the first of four Jazz veterans to make a decision on a player option for 2023/24. Jordan Clarkson, Talen Horton-Tucker, and Rudy Gay also have player option decisions to make by June 29.
[RELATED: NBA Player Option Decisions For 2023/24]
Gay is considered a virtual lock to opt in, since he won’t exceed his $6.48MM option salary as a free agent, whereas Clarkson is a good candidate to decline his $14.26MM option and seek a multiyear deal. Horton-Tucker ($11.02MM) could go either way.
Jones got traded there mid-season not signed
Damian Jones signed with the Lakers and was flipped to Utah for cap relief during the Westbrook trade. I don’t blame anyone for forgetting, though; he barely played in LA.
Jones has a solid following of fans that really like what he brings to the Jazz. He’s a guy that can come in and knock down 3’s at a high percentage, and plays solid defense at multiple positions in the front court. That’s great for your bench arsenal!
I don’t have any problem with the Jazz keeping him on the roster this season. I think the Jazz like him still as well. The only reason they wouldn’t is if they continue to go younger with their entire roster.
Jazz like jones as he is on a min. Jones hasn’t played well enough to opt out is the bottom line. Tht was up and down but ended up … should he opt out?
He should ask the jazz for a long term deal. Tht opts out would be a surprise as other teams paying more per year isn’t likely. Comes down to years of guaranteed cash $
Jazz should offer like 4 yr with team option at 6 to 8m somewhere around the mid level exception mark. Keep him in a trade able range.
If he over performs then he loses out on some big big bucks. Can’t see it happening.
Can see him being an injury away from being out of the league.
He plays so aggressive that he should seek some guarantees .
I like Jones a lot but he never had a chance building on a mini success in 22 with Lakers due to RW – They basically had to play AD there at all times to make up the shooting. He got a little payback that last Jazz-Lal game (Jazz sent Lakes to OT in a must win) when he went off, was happy for him, he really showcased his game, can run, shoot, and has that youthful hustle/energy in his corner for time being. Kelly O’s a sneaky good guy from him to learn from too for a bit as I see long term similarities
TBh ID just steer as far clear of Tht as possible long term , he’s going to opt in but I wouldnt extend the relationship. He makes nobody better, gets caught in Iso ball too much, cant shoot, is inefficient, turns the ball over a ton
His best (only) bet imo long term in this league is a mini popcorn machine that see’s the floor some nights and DNP’s in others- I just dont see a rotation player on a playoff team. Jazz already, and will have many many more interesting players come thru the gates here shortly – 1 and done
Still just 27
N some what inclined to defer on offense
But some of the fastest feet to play the 5 today
With 3/4/5 switch ability upside still
Jazz need to snt Clarkson or let him walk. Love Clarkson m! He has played his best ball. He deserves to get over paid by another team. The jazz don’t need to over commit unless it is reasonable team friendly contract.
Team option last year and max 18mm
Start 14.2 then increase 8% each year.
Three years of guarantee pay plus a fourth of team says so. Nice!
Exactly my thoughts
Tbh I like just like the idea taking the small value today from a S&T and thanking him 10x over for his service
Like you said he deserves the bag and chance it just doesn’t align with the Jazz’s current roadmap
Jones made 10 3s total last season.
Granted not many minutes. As he usually plays 10-15 mpg.
Nba % stats are so deceptive. And I’m generally pro stats. Limited minutes % doesn’t often translate to the same % over full games or longer sample sizes.
Or else there would be many more better players. Its often the reason so many ask why x player got so much x $s.
Limited minute success was expected to translate to future production. Especially among big men.
I say this because there are 3 comments about Jones shooting spacing. Yes, he makes what he takes.
You can have your 10 3 pointers a season.
Lucky because he might of not been signed if he opted out. Two championships. Lucky guy