NBA News: Shams Charania reports Derrick Jones Jr. is declining his player option and entering free agency
After two seasons with the Chicago Bulls, Derrick Jones Jr. has decided to make himself available as an unrestricted free agent, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. Jones Jr. had a player option for the 2023-24 season worth $3.3 million. However, it appears that he would rather explore free agency, possibly because he only played a minor role for the Bulls.
Chicago Bulls forward Derrick Jones Jr. is declining his $3.3 million player option for the 2023-24 season and entering unrestricted free agency, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
During his time in Chicago, Jones Jr. only averaged 15.6 minutes per game in a span of two seasons. Compared to his previous stints with the Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat, his role with the Bulls was a slight downgrade. As of now, no NBA team has expressed interest in signing the high-flying forward.
Derrick Jones Jr. career retrospective
After announcing his decision to enter the NBA draft in 2016, Derrick Jones Jr. faced a challenging path to reach the professional league. Despite going undrafted, he remained undeterred in his pursuit. Determined to showcase his skills, Jones Jr. signed with the Phoenix Suns' Summer League team and immediately impressed with his versatility and defensive abilities.
His unwavering work ethic and relentless dedication paid off as he earned a spot on the Suns' regular-season roster. In the following years, Jones Jr.'s game continued to evolve, and his impact on the court became increasingly apparent.
Renowned for his defensive versatility and ability to guard multiple positions, he earned the moniker "Airplane Mode" for his breathtaking shot blocks and gravity-defying plays above the rim. His tireless pursuit of rebounds and his knack for finishing alley-oops made him an invaluable asset for teams.
The apex of Jones Jr.'s ascent came when he joined the Miami Heat during the 2019-20 season. His contributions on both ends of the court played a pivotal role in the Heat's remarkable journey to the NBA Finals. With his exceptional athleticism, defensive tenacity, and timely scoring, he solidified his place in the team's rotation and garnered the admiration of his teammates and coaches.
Jones Jr.'s remarkable journey from an undrafted player to a high-flying force in the NBA is a testament to his unwavering perseverance and dedication. As he continues to ascend to new heights, fans eagerly anticipate the next jaw-dropping highlight from this dynamic and exhilarating player.