Mavericks fans crushed as fan-favorite center bolts overseas at last minute

It has been clear for a while now that the Dallas Mavericks wouldn't bring back Kai Jones in free agency, as they didn't have any roster spots to give him, and his exit from Dallas got confirmed on Monday when he signed a one-year deal with Anadolu Efes of the EuroLeague. There had been rumbles of Anadolu Efes being interested in Jones for a few days, and they turned their interest into a reality by securing his services to begin the week.

Jones being unsigned this late into the offseason was shocking, especially considering that he played excellently for Dallas to end last season, and he joined Anadolu Efes at the last minute. EuroLeague begins its season later this month, and Jones will hope to hit the ground running as he heads overseas to Turkey.

Mavericks fans begged for Nico Harrison to bring Jones back in free agency this summer after his end-of-season tear, but their brutal roster crunch ended this dream reality. The Mavericks didn't have room to sign anyone else this summer after verbally agreeing to a deal with Dante Exum before eventually having to waive Olivier-Maxence Prosper to get the roster down to 15 players on standard deals, and Jones' impressive showing in Dallas at the end of the last season didn't result in him sticking around.

Kai Jones signs with Anadolu Efes after late Mavericks exit

In 12 games for Dallas last season, Jones averaged 11.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 83.6 percent from the field. He was a breath of fresh air during the craziest injury spell this team has ever seen, and ultimately played well enough to prove that he deserves a standard contract with someone.

His athleticism, rim-rolling, dunks, and energy were on full display in every game he played as a Maverick, and his potential is what had many Mavs fans craving for more. He is only 24 years old, and frankly, he seemed like the perfect prospect to sign on a team-friendly deal to help kick off the Cooper Flagg era. Jones wouldn't have had a major role next season if Dallas had signed him, but having him as someone who can play spot minutes and provide depth seemed like a no-brainer

Jones' playstyle was similar to that of Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford since he is a rim-roller, dunker, and hustle guy, and him being re-signed would've given Jason Kidd someone who can help make up for Lively II or Gafford being out any time that they were injured.

With Jones heading to Anadolu Efes, Dallas' centers are Lively II, Gafford, and Dwight Powell heading into the 2025-26 season. Anthony Davis will also help provide some depth at the five, and while Dallas' frontcourt is their most stacked unit, Jones would've been a helpful addition for now and the future.

Even without Jones, the Mavericks are going to be just fine, and he'll begin a new chapter of his own while Dallas does the same. Jones will have the chance to show the world that he deserves a spot in the NBA by dominating in the EuroLeague, and the Mavs could be one of the teams calling if they like what they see.