The Dallas Mavericks offered Derrick Jones Jr. the same three-year, $27 million deal they ultimate agreed to with Naji Marshall, sources tell Marc Stein. Jones was looking for a larger contract and agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. It is believed Jones’ motivation for a more lucrative deal was a bigger factor in his exit from the Mavericks than his decision to change agents from Aaron Turner to Rich Paul.
Jones and the Clippers must wait until July 11th to compete their contract due to the NBPA mandated 15-day waiting period when a player changes agents.
The Mavericks moved quickly with Marshall to secure a commitment from a player they were high on rather than endure the uncertainty of bidding against the Clippers for Jones. Jones and the Clippers agreed to their contract soon after Marshall finalized his with the Mavericks.
The Mavericks also were fully pursuing Klay Thompson with a promise of a spot in their starting lineup, which likely would have moved Jones back to a reserve role despite playing a key part of their Finals run.