The Dallas Mavericks liked what they saw at the end of the season from this young center, but they couldn’t move things around to keep him in town.
Instead, Kai Jones is on the verge of a contract with Virtus Bologna in Italy, according to Sportando.
Jones joined Dallas down the stretch of 2025 and appeared in 12 games.
The 24-year old center started six of those games and averaged 11.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game while shooting a ridiculous 83.6% from the field.
Jones seemingly could’ve fit with the Mavs’ roster if they didn’t plan to re-sign Dante Exum, but that move fills up their board.
One of the most athletic centers in the NBA, Jones was the No. 19 overall pick in 2021 out of Texas. The Hornets only kept him for two underwhelming seasons before waiving him.
Jones then went to the G League, where he impressed enough to get another chance.
He played with the Clippers at the end of the 2023-24 season and then got a two-way contract there to begin 2024-25. He was waived in March, allowing the Mavs to bring him on board.
Jones’ play with Dallas was the best stretch of his NBA career and serves as a proof of concept for the player he still could be down the road.
First, it looks like his development will take him overseas for the first time.
The Virtus Bologna roster is led by former Purdue superstar Carsen Edwards, who is one of the best scorers in all of Europe. There have also been reports that Bologna is seeking to sign former Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried.
Jones’ athleticism and strength around the basket could make him a great player in the European game before potentially seeking a return to the NBA.
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