CLIPPERS TO SIGN FORWARD TO $30 MILLION DEAL AMID PAUL GEORGE’S EXIT
The Los Angeles Clippers didn’t waste any time signing a lengthy small forward to replace the one they had just lost.
On Sunday, the Clippers officially announced that Paul George — who had a $48.7 million player option for next season — was not returning to the team.
Hours later, the Clippers reportedly signed free-agent forward Derrick Jones Jr. The contract is worth $30 million over three years, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Jones was a key player for the Dallas Mavericks in their recent run to the NBA Finals. The 27-year-old started in all 22 games for Dallas. He averaged 9.1 points and 3.5 rebounds while providing stellar perimeter defense for the reigning Western Conference champions.
In his one and only season with the Mavs, Jones averaged a career-best 8.6 points and turned himself into a respectable outside shooter. Dallas gave Jones his first opportunity to become a full-time starter.
The Clippers will be Jones’ sixth NBA team heading into his ninth season in the league.
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