According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Los Angeles Clippers have re-signed big man Kai Jones to a non-guaranteed contract.
Sources: Free agent C/F Kai Jones has agreed to a non-guaranteed deal to return to the Los Angeles Clippers. Clippers incorporated the talented 6-foot-11 big man at end of last season and give the 2021 No. 19 overall pick a chance to compete for roster spot next season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 5, 2024
News of Jones re-signing with the Clippers comes less than a week after the team declined his team option.
Jones joined the Clippers in April towards the end of the regular season. However, the former first-round pick did not appear in a game for the team.
The Philadelphia 76ers previously signed Jones to a 10-day contract in March, but he did not make an appearance for the team either.
Currently, Jones is dealing with an ankle injury that is expected to keep him out of the Summer League.
Some news since we’re about to enter summer league season
Kai Jones has an ankle injury that will keep him out of summer league, per source. Another setback after Jones had a hamstring injury while with 76ers/Blue Coats in March
Clippers still have plans to retain Jones though.
— Law Murray 🛝 (@LawMurrayTheNU) July 4, 2024
Los Angeles Clippers Re-Signing Controversial Big Man
Kai Jones’ Controversial Charlotte Hornets Exit
The Hornets acquired Jones during the 2021 NBA Draft after the New York Knicks selected him with the No. 19 pick. The Bahamas native played two seasons for the Hornets, appearing in 67 total games. In that time, Jones averaged 2.7 points and 2 rebounds per game. Despite his lackluster stat line, Jones showed a lot of potential. However, the Hornets waived Jones in October 2023 just days after he publicly requested a trade from the team. In Jones’ final days with the team, he posted numerous controversial social media posts.
During an interview on the Vizion Podcast, Jones explained why he requested a trade.
“(Hornets general manager) Mitch (Kupchak) tells me I’m not allowed to do training camp,” Jones said. “When he tells me that, that was when I was like, ‘Yo, I’m off of this team.’ How can I play here? They’re not letting me do training camp. They’re not allowing me to try out for my position, right? So I’m upset, I’m like, ‘Yo, I just wanna leave now. I’m gonna leave.’”
The Last Word on Kai Jones
Jones is only 23 years old and has a lot of tools to be excited about. He is a very athletic and versatile big man. Additionally, standing at 6’11”, Jones has the size to play either power forward or center. Although his NBA playing time has been limited up to this point, Jones appears to be a solid low-risk, high-reward player for the Clippers.
Earlier in the offseason, the Clippers lost free agent center Mason Plumlee to the Phoenix Suns. Furthermore, big man Daniel Theis may play overseas next season. It will be interesting to see if Jones and the recently-acquired Mo Bamba can step up and take on a larger role for the Clippers during the 2024-25 season.
