The Dallas Mavericks could unexpectedly move on from one of their key players during their 2023-24 NBA Finals run.
Due to several factors, the team may find it difficult to retain forward Derrick Jones Jr.
First, the Mavericks used up a significant portion of their available mid-level exception for the 2024-25 season, worth $12.9 million, to sign free agent forward Naji Marshall to a three-year deal worth $27 million.
Jones signed a one-year deal worth $2.7 million with the Mavs last summer, which was a bargain given his high production level. He started in 66 regular-season games and all 22 of the Mavericks' postseason games en route to the 2024 NBA Finals.
With a potential pay increase on the horizon, the Mavs are unlikely to afford a new contract that Jones deserves with the Mid-Level Exception already used up.
Additionally, the Mavericks are focusing on a sign-and-trade pursuit of Klay Thompson, who is likely departing his longtime team, the Golden State Warriors.
Strange situation prevents Derrick Jones Jr from contract talks
Jones also switched agents this offseason, leaving longtime representative Aaron Turner to join Klutch Sports under Rich Paul, as league insider Marc Stein reported on June 28.
According to the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) guidelines, players seeking to change representation must wait 15 days before signing with another agency.
This means that Jones would have to wait until July 11 to be able to have representation to negotiate with teams.
By then, the Mavericks could be too late to make potential offseason moves, as Jones's salary situation needs to be sorted out before they can make decisions on other transactions.
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