Kai Jones, who was waived earlier Saturday by the Clippers, is expected to sign a two-way contract with the Mavericks once he clears waivers, sources tell NBA insider Chris Haynes.
The 24-year-old center saw limited playing time in 28 games with the Clippers this season, averaging 2.2 points and 1.6 rebounds in 7.4 minutes per game.
After receiving consistent minutes earlier in the season, Jones played sparingly in February and has not logged more than three minutes in a game since January 15.
At 6’11”, Jones provides a sizable option for a Mavericks team struggling to maintain depth in the frontcourt due to injuries.
Dallas’ top three centers — Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively — are all sidelined. Davis is scheduled to be reevaluated on March 6 after suffering an adductor strain in his Mavericks debut, while Gafford is dealing with a grade 3 MCL sprain and Lively is recovering from a fractured ankle. Both are expected to remain out for an extended period.
Moses Brown has started the past two games at center for Dallas, but his 10-day contract will expire tonight, and he will become a free agent. Hard cap restrictions prevent the Mavericks from re-signing Brown until April 10.
This opens a potential opportunity for Jones, whose NBA career has yet to meet expectations. Despite his struggles, he was selected as the 19th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, signaling the talent the Mavericks hope to tap into.
Dallas currently has its two-way roster spots filled by Brandon Williams, Kessler Edwards, and Kylor Kelley. As a result, the team will need to make a move before the March 4 deadline for signing two-way players to accommodate Jones.
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