Mavericks have sadly parted ways with fan-favorite big man from last year's roster

The Dallas Mavericks have officially parted ways with Kai Jones, who is now expected to continue his career in the EuroLeague playing for Anadolu Efes. This leaves a bittersweet feeling for a player who joined Dallas late in the 2024–25 season. He quickly earned a role and became a fan favorite with his energy, efficiency, and glimpses of untapped potential.

When the Mavericks signed Jones to a two-way contract in March 2025, expectations were modest. The 6-foot-11 forward-center had moved around the league and was coming off a quiet stint with the LA Clippers, averaging just 2.2 points and 1.6 rebounds per game in limited minutes. Dallas needed depth, but they found a player eager to prove his worth.

Jones’ debut with the Mavericks was unforgettable. He scored 21 points on 9-10 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds, showcasing the athleticism and drive that made him a first-round pick. Later that month, he followed up with another strong performance, scoring 13 points and securing nine boards against the Brooklyn Nets, going a perfect 5-5 from the field. These stats were not just empty numbers. They were impactful performances that boosted Dallas and excited the fans.

Mavericks lose Kai Jones to the EuroLeague

Over 12 games in Dallas, Jones averaged 11.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 21.7 minutes per game. Most impressively, he shot 83.6 percent from the field, thriving as a rim-runner and lob threat while improving his decision-making in the paint. For a player signed late in the year on a two-way deal, those numbers suggested real long-term potential.

Jones’ appeal extended beyond the box score. His hustle, rebounding, and rim protection gave Dallas important frontcourt minutes when they needed reliability. Fans appreciated his energy, and his mindset added to his appeal.

“Go hard … Show them that I can help in the playoffs … Show what I’m capable of and help win games,” he said in early March, shortly after signing with Dallas.

That attitude resonated, and it showed every time he stepped on the court.

The Mavericks have always valued role players who commit and complement the roster. Jones seemed like exactly that, a low-maintenance, high-energy big who could provide 15–20 minutes while still developing. With his age and athleticism, he seemed like someone who could stay in Dallas for years, not just weeks.

That’s why his move to the EuroLeague stings. In a frontcourt rotation balancing rim protectors and floor spacers, Jones offered a unique mix of vertical spacing, defensive intensity, and efficient finishing. He might not have stretched the floor, but his ability to run the court, grab rebounds, and score without needing plays drawn up for him made him an ideal bench option.

If he had re-signed, Jones could have eased the workload on the Mavericks’ main bigs during an 82-game season. His athleticism matched well with Dallas’ fast-paced bench units, where he thrived as a pick-and-roll target and shot blocker. Considering how quickly he won over the fans, it’s easy to see him becoming a steady contributor throughout 2025–26.

The Mavericks’ decision to move on seems practical, but it doesn’t lessen the disappointment. Kai Jones was more than just a late-season stopgap. He was a player who turned a brief opportunity into proof of what he could offer. His next chapter will take place overseas, but his impact in Dallas, however brief, left fans wondering what could have been.