Mavericks let Carlik Jones out of 10-day contract: Plans to sign with Nuggets

The Dallas Mavericks were forced to sign seven replacement players over the last two weeks as a massive COVID outbreak hit their team. Ten players and three coaches entered the health and safety protocols as the team was forced to play six games shorthanded.

The Mavs impressively split those contests with multiple rotation players out of their lineup. Marquese Chriss and Theo Pinson played so well that they earned second ten-day contracts. Brandon Knight and Isaiah Thomas proved they can both still be effective in an NBA game. Others, including rookie Carlik Jones, struggled to find a place in the rotation.

Luka Doncic, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Maxi Kleber are expected to clear protocols ahead of Sunday’s game in Oklahoma City against the Thunder. Activating those three players means letting go of a few replacements. Jones appears to be a casualty, but it did not take him long to find a new deal.

Dallas Mavericks let Carlik Jones go: Rookie plans to sign with Denver Nuggets

Mike Singer reported that Carlik Jones plans to sign with Denver Nuggets on Jan. 1. The 6’1 guard still had one day left on his deal with the Mavericks, but they let him go with three players coming back.

Jones played a total of 19 minutes in his three games with the Mavericks. He did produce two points, five assists, three rebounds, and one steal during his ten-day deal.

The Denver Nuggets are dealing with COVID issues of their own. They currently have four players out in the health and safety protocols, and their guard depth is questionable. Jamal Murray, Monte Morris, P.J. Dozier, and Bones Hyland are all out right now between injuries and illness. Jones could be in for a larger role in Denver, and the Nuggets travel to Dallas to face the Mavericks on Monday night.

Carlik Jones has been impressive for the Texas Legends, and he deserves a shot to prove himself in the NBA. Keep an eye on how he performs for the Nuggets during his ten-day deal, and check back to The Smoking Cuban for everything fans crave about the Dallas Mavericks.