The Los Angeles Clippers are gearing up for the 2024-25 NBA season, making headlines with some noteworthy roster changes.
One of the most talked-about moves is the shift of big man Kai Jones from an Exhibit 10 deal to a two-way contract. This update came courtesy of ESPN’s Shams Charania, who shared it via Twitter/X.
The Los Angeles Clippers are keeping center Kai Jones on the regular-season roster via a two-way NBA deal, sources tell ESPN. Jones has developed in Clippers’ system and had a strong preseason, averaging 8 points and 5 rebounds as the backup big. pic.twitter.com/h3nOxyt30L
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 19, 2024
Jones secured the final two-way spot on the roster thanks to a strong preseason performance, where he averaged 7.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks over five games, serving as the main backup center during Mo Bamba’s injury recovery.
Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images
Head coach Tyronn Lue endorsed Jones as the team’s backup center. The timing is beneficial for Jones, particularly with P.J. Tucker currently away from the squad as trade discussions unfold.
Drafted 19th overall in 2021, Jones hails from the Bahamas. He played for the University of Texas, where he earned recognition as the Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year before declaring for the draft. In his last college season, he averaged 8.8 points and 4.8 rebounds.
Originally selected by the New York Knicks, he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets, where his first two seasons were modest, averaging just 2.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in limited minutes.
Now, with the Clippers entering the season with a depleted roster, Jones is poised to take on a more substantial role. However, they will begin without superstar Kawhi Leonard, who is sidelined indefinitely due to knee inflammation.
“There is no timeline,” Lue mentioned, affirming that Leonard’s rehabilitation is ongoing. “[He’s] doing all the right things, working hard and looking good.”
As the Clippers prepare for their season opener against the Phoenix Suns on October 23, all eyes will be on Jones to see how he capitalizes on this opportunity.
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