Dallas Mavericks: 5 free agents to replace Michael Kidd-Gilchrist if he leaves

Free agent replacement for Michael Kidd-Gilchrist on Dallas Mavericks: 3. Derrick Jones Jr.

The Mavs tried to trade for Jones Jr. in 2019. The Miami Heat needed to create some space to land Jimmy Butler. The two teams agreed on a deal, but there was confusion on the pieces involved. Dallas thought they were acquiring Kelly Olynyk and Jones Jr., but the Heat believed Goran Dragic was in the deal. Fans can read more about the confusion and near trade here.

Could they sign the unrestricted free agent this offseason? The 23-year-old averaged 8.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.0 steal in 23.3 minutes per game this year. His minutes have slipped as the Heat shortened the rotation in the playoffs, but Jones Jr. has proven his defensive chops. He also finished tied for 31st in FiveThirtyEight’s defensive RAPTOR this season.

Jones Jr. struggles with his jumper and has a limited offensive skill set. He can throw down monster dunks. Jones Jr. also showed some potential as a roll man. He finished in the top six percent in the NBA by averaging 1.5 points per possession in those situations on a limited sample of 38 attempts per NBA Stats. That could be something the Mavericks exploit more if he joins them this offseason.

Derrick Jones Jr. played on a minimum contract the last two seasons and could do so again in 2021. The Dallas Mavericks will be among the team’s interested in his services.

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