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Slam Dunk - $50.00 - Contest Completed | NBA Week 26

Clippers bringing back C/F Kai Jones

Fri Jul 5 1:27pm ET
Field Level Media

The Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to terms with free agent center/forward Kai Jones for a non-guaranteed contract to return to the team, The Athletic reported Friday.

The Clippers had Jones under contract in April but declined the team option in late June. Jones, 23, won't be available to play for the summer league team because of an ankle injury.

The New York Knicks selected the 6-foot-11 Jones with the 19th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft out of Texas, then traded his rights the next day to the Charlotte Hornets.

He played in 67 games as a reserve for the Hornets from 2021-23, averaging 2.7 points, 2.0 rebounds, 0.5 blocks and 9.1 minutes before his release in October 2023. He shot 56.7 percent from the field.


After a stint in the G League, Jones was signed to a 10-day contract by the Philadelphia 76ers on March 15, and the Clippers signed him on April 14.

Player Notes
Dillon Jones Wed Jul 10 8:40am

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Dillon Jones scored a game-high 21 points in a 98-75 win over the Utah Jazz in the Salt Lake City Summer League on Tuesday. The Weber State product, who was the 26th selection in last month's draft, had an incredible shooting touch in the game, going 7-for-8 from the field and 4-for-5 at the charity stripe. His efforts included a 3-for-3 record from deep, and Jones capped off his performance with seven rebounds, four assists, and one steal. The Thunder are full of exciting young talent and might have landed themselves another one in Jones, who went close to a triple-double in his Summer League debut on Monday against Philadelphia.

Davis Bertans Wed Jul 10 8:20am

Free agent forward Davis Bertans is reportedly generating interest among multiple teams after getting waived by the Charlotte Hornets. According to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, the New York Knicks are among the teams who are looking at Bertans. The 31-year-old is a sweet-shooting big man who would give an extra threat from deep to the Knicks. However, he will likely not get enough opportunities in New York to jump back into fantasy relevance. Bertans posted 6.7 points and 1.2 rebounds in 15.7 minutes across stints with Oklahoma City and Charlotte in 2023-24.

Josh Okogie Wed Jul 10 8:10am

The Phoenix Suns remain interested in bringing back guard/forward Josh Okogie. The 25-year-old has spent the past two seasons in Arizona but became a free agent after not picking up a $2.9 million option on his contract. Okogie averaged 4.6 points and 2.6 rebounds in 16.0 minutes last season, logging 11 starts across 60 appearances. His numbers will likely be in a similar mold next season if he returns to Phoenix, which appears likely, as Okogie hasn't really been linked with any other teams since hitting free agency.

Kyle Lowry Wed Jul 10 8:00am

Veteran point guard Kyle Lowry could end up complementing the Big Three in Phoenix next season. According to PHNX's Gerald Bourguet, Lowry is in talks with the Suns. Phoenix has been desperate for a point guard, and the team has already snapped up Monte Morris as a free agent. Lowry's addition would give the backcourt a further boost, although he also continues to be linked with a return to the Philadelphia 76ers. The 38-year-old has lost a lot of fantasy value in recent seasons but could still do a job for teams in deeper leagues if he lands a starting role for 2024-25.

Lauri Markkanen Wed Jul 10 7:50am

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen continues to draw links with the Golden State Warriors. The Athletic's Anthony Slater has reported that the Warriors remain in pursuit of Markkanen, although he believes it could be a drawn-out process. Markkanen has averaged 20-plus points in back-to-back seasons and is just a year removed from being an All-Star. He would add shooting and size to the Warriors lineup, although Markkanen's scoring numbers could take a hit in San Francisco, with the offense flowing through Stephen Curry.

Ben Simmons Tue Jul 9 9:40pm

Brooklyn Nets utility man Ben Simmons (back) is expected to be ready to go for the start of the 2024-25 campaign. "Ben has been doing his rehab and prep work," said Bernard Lee, Simmons' agent. "I'll simply say he's in a great place and the expectation is he's able to start the season 100 percent of himself ready to go." Fantasy managers heard the same story last summer. However, the 27-year-old appeared in only 15 games in 2023-24, averaging a career-low 6.1 points. Without a doubt, Simmons has talent. But until he can stay healthy, he shouldn't be considered anything more than a risky fantasy option with an upside.

Paul Reed Tue Jul 9 4:40pm

On Tuesday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Detroit Pistons claimed center Paul Reed off free agency waivers. Reed is in the second season of a three-year, $24 million deal and will join former 76ers teammate Tobias Harris in the Motor City. The 76ers waived the 25-year-old on July 6th. With Philadelphia, he suited up for 82 regular season games last year, averaging 7.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.0 blocks in 19.4 minutes. Come fall, Reed will not be a fantasy factor, as he will have to compete with Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren for playing time.

Trendon Watford Tue Jul 9 4:00pm

On Tuesday, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that power forward Trendon Watford signed a qualifying offer to remain with the Brooklyn Nets. Signing the qualifying offer allows Watford to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. The 23-year-old deal is for one year and is worth $2.7 million. Last season, Watford played in 63 games for the Nets and posted averages of 6.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.

Ausar Thompson Tue Jul 9 3:40pm

Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson will not participate in Summer League as he is recovering from a blood clot, per James L. Edwards III of The Athletic. Thompson's rookie season ended in March due to a blood clot, for which he would receive treatment. In 63 regular-season contests, the 21-year-old averaged 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals across 25.1 minutes. The Pistons are likely not rushing Thompson back, and he should be good to go come training camp.

Ja Morant Tue Jul 9 3:20pm

On Tuesday, per Damichael Cole of Memphis Commercial Appeal, Memphis Grizzlies guardJa Morant(shoulder)was medically cleared for all basketball activities after surgery to repair a labral tear in his right shoulder. After serving a 25-game NBA suspension at the start of last season, the 24-year-old only suited up for nine contests before the injury sidelined him for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign. If Morant can stay injury-free in 2024-25, he has top-10 fantasy potential across all formats.

Cade Cunningham Tue Jul 9 2:50pm

According toAdrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Detroit Pistons and point guard Cade Cunningham officially agreed to a five-year, $224 million maximum rookie extension on Tuesday. The rookie extension could amount to as much as $269 million. After a dismal 2023-2024 campaign, the Pistons signed veteransMalik Beasley, Tim Hardaway, and Tobias Harris this off-season to help out the 22-year-old. Suffering from left knee tendinopathy, Cunningham's season was cut short, but not before he averaged 22.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in 33.5 minutes across 62 games. Detroit expects the 2021 No. 1 overall pick to be healthy for training camp.

Zach Edey Tue Jul 9 7:50am

Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey made a good first impression as an NBA player on Monday in a Summer League clash with the Utah Jazz. Squaring off against a strong Jazz frontcourt, which included Walker Kessler, the ninth pick of this year's draft registered a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double with a pair of blocks in a 97-95 overtime loss. Edey sent the game into the extra frame with a dramatic tip-in at the buzzer and finished with 7-for-11 shooting from the field. The seven-foot-four giant will get a new opportunity to impress on Tuesday versus Philadelphia.

Gary Trent Jr. Tue Jul 9 7:40am

The Toronto Raptors are unlikely to agree on a new contract with Gary Trent Jr. TSN's Josh Lewenberg has reported that Trent Jr.'s camp has been looking for a raise from last year's $18.5 million, but the Raptors were only willing to offer around $15 million per year when free agency opened. According to Lewenberg, that offer is off the table now, and Trent Jr.'s return to Toronto is "increasingly unlikely." The 25-year-old isn't expected to receive the money he is after elsewhere either, with an unnamed league insider telling Lewenberg that Trent Jr. would be "lucky" to get the mid-level exception, valued at $12.5 million. Trent Jr. averaged 13.7 points and 2.6 rebounds in 28.1 minutes with the Raptors last season.

Walker Kessler Tue Jul 9 7:30am

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler is expected to fetch a first-round draft pick on the trade market. "The Knicks had been in touch with Utah, had had some interest in Walker Kessler, the big man, as a potential solution for, at the backup five," said SNY's Ian Begley on Monday. "But teams in touch with Utah say the Jazz are looking for at least a first-round pick in return for Kessler in these conversations that have gone on earlier in the offseason." Kessler would be a solid replacement for Isaiah Hartenstein in New York, but his fantasy value would be limited if he's only going to fill a backup position.

Russell Westbrook Tue Jul 9 7:20am

Los Angeles Clippers point guard Russell Westbrook continues to draw interest from the Denver Nuggets, with a potential deal likely. According to Harrison Wind of DNVR, the Nuggets are "on track" to add the former MVP to the roster. Westbrook has freshly opted into the last year of his contract that will pay him around $4 million next season. However, his future in Los Angeles is in doubt, and his admirers in Denver reportedly include Nuggets leader Nikola Jokic. Westbrook's fantasy value is far from what it used to be during his prime, but he can still rack up stats in a hurry if given enough minutes.

Haywood Highsmith Mon Jul 8 8:30pm

Free-agent forward Haywood Highsmith agreed to a two-year, $11 million contract to remain with the Miami Heat. The 27-year-old has spent the last three seasons in Miami, most recently finishing the 2023-24 campaign by averaging a career-high 6.1 points and 39.6% shooting from deep. Although he didn't always see minutes last season, he at least drew 26 starts. Haywood's situation likely won't change in 2024-25. While that won't make him an attractive fantasy asset in most drafts, he has plenty of streaming potential, considering Jimmy Butler has had issues staying on the floor.

Daniel Theis Mon Jul 8 8:30pm

Free-agent center Daniel Theis agreed to a one-year deal with the Pelicans on Monday. The 32-year-old is best known for his time with the Celtics. However, he's also suited up for the Bulls, Rockets, and Pacers before appearing in 59 games for the Clippers in 2023-24, where he averaged 6.3 points and 4.1 rebounds. Theis will likely operate as the backup behind rookie Yves Missi, who the Pelicans drafted with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. But if Missi goes down with an injury, Theis could spend some time with the starting lineup, ultimately improving his fantasy value.

Evan Fournier Mon Jul 8 9:40am

French veteran Evan Fournier finds himself going to the Paris Olympics as a free agent, but he could be back in the NBA for next season. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Fournier is expected to generate interest among "some" NBA teams. Fournier became a free agent after the Detroit Pistons declined a $19 million team option on his contract. He is also expected to draw interest from EuroLeague teams. Fournier has been an afterthought in the NBA in recent seasons, making only 59 appearances across two campaigns, but he's been a capable scorer in the league and could re-ignite his career if he lands in a good situation.

Malik Monk Mon Jul 8 9:20am

Sacramento Kings guard/forward Malik Monk wants to become a starter next season. The 26-year-old was one of the most prolific bench players in the league in 2023-24, averaging a career-high 15.4 points. He has re-signed with the Kings for four years, $78 million. A starter's role would boost Monk's fantasy value, although he has still seen plenty of action as a reserve and logged 28 minutes per game last season. Monk has also proven that he's more than a scorer after posting a career-high 5.1 assists in 2023-24.

Luka Garza Mon Jul 8 9:10am

Minnesota Timberwolves center Luka Garza will return to the team on a two-year deal. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, it's a $4.51 million contract for Garza, which includes a team option for the second year. After making his NBA debut with the Pistons in 2021-22, Garza has spent the past two campaigns in Minnesota. In 53 appearances with the team, he has averaged 5.3 points and 1.8 rebounds across 6.9 minutes. The former Iowa standout has dominated in the G League with a career average of 29.9 points, but he sees very little action with the Timberwolves, and the situation will likely remain the same in 2024-25.