The 2025-26 NBA season training camps are around the corner. Players have enjoyed this offseason, such as Jayson Tatum’s remarkable moment with his son. Players are now getting ready to dominate again on the court. Meanwhile, surprising reports about Dallas Mavericks centre-forward Kai Jones surfaced on social media platforms.
According to Basketnews’ Onatas Urbonas, Jones is leaving the NBA for the EuroLeague after playing just four years in the league.
“Anadolu Efes Istanbul is close to signing a deal with former NBA first-round pick Kai Jones, sources tell BasketNews. The 24-year-old big man, listed at 2.11 meters, is expected to join the Turkish powerhouse on a contract that includes an exit clause in January, per sources.” Via Basketnews’ Onatas Urbonas.
Urbonas indicated that Jones is close to finalising an agreement with Anadolu Efes Istanbul. He noted that the clause’s timing is associated with Vincent Poirier’s anticipated return.
Kai Jones NBA Career Highlights
The New York Knicks selected Jones with the 19th pick in the 2021 NBA draft. However, the Knicks immediately traded him to the Charlotte Hornets. As any player would expect a stunning start to their career, Jones’ start was a bit problematic. Jones received a disappointing decision after one month of signing a contract with the team.
The Hornets announced that Jones would not participate in training camp. The reason for this decision was Jones’ disrespectful behaviour on social media. He criticised his teammates, gave incoherent speech, and declared himself the greatest player of all time.
A few days after this decision, Jones publicly requested a trade, and the Hornets waived him two days later. On March 15, 2024, Jones signed a 10-day contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. However, he only played for Philadelphia’s G League affiliate. Later in his career, he signed with the Los Angeles Clippers but only played 28 games for the team as the Clippers waived him.
After signing a two-way contract, Jones played the 2024-25 NBA season with the Mavericks. The Mavericks put on strong efforts but failed to secure a playoff spot. The Mavericks are preparing to make a bigger impact in the upcoming season. Recent reports indicate that their forward, PJ Washington, has agreed to a four-year, $90 million contract extension with the franchise.
The post Dallas Mavericks Center-Forward Kai Jones Is Officially Done After Just Four NBA Seasons originally published on Total Pro Sports.