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

F Derrick Jones Jr. signing with Clippers

Mon Jul 1 1:45am ET
Field Level Media

Free agent forward Derrick Jones Jr. intends to sign a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers worth $30 million, The Athletic reported Sunday night.

Jones spent this past season with the Dallas Mavericks, helping them reach the NBA Finals, where they fell to the Boston Celtics. He averaged 8.6 points and 3.3 rebounds across 76 games (66 starts).

In eight NBA seasons with the Phoenix Suns (2016-17), Miami Heat (2018-20), Portland Trail Blazers (2020-21), Chicago Bulls (2021-23) and Mavericks, Jones has career averages of 6.7 points and 3.3 boards in 420 games (163 starts).

Los Angeles is about to enter a new era after star forward Paul George decided earlier Sunday that he will be signing with another team. The Clippers went 51-31 last season and were bounced in the first round of the playoffs.


Player Notes
Naji Marshall Sun Jun 30 9:40pm

Free-agent forward Naji Marshall agreed to a three-year, $27 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks. The 26-year-old had spent the last four seasons with the Pelicans, where he averaged 7.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. Marshall will likely see routine minutes for Dallas moving ahead. However, he hasn't been a reliable fantasy contributor since entering the league, and that's not expected to change.

Cade Cunningham Sun Jun 30 9:30pm

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham agreed to a five-year, $226 million extension with the team. The Pistons are rebuilding. However, the franchise wants to keep Cunningham at the forefront. The 22-year-old averaged a career-high 22.7 points and 7.5 assists last season. But he logged 3.4 turnovers during the 2023-24 campaign, so that's an area that needs to improve. Cunningham also hasn't played more than 64 games in any of his three seasons, which will cause his fantasy value to drop until he proves he can stay healthy.

Andre Drummond Sun Jun 30 9:30pm

Free-agent center Andre Drummond agreed to a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Sixers. This will be Drummond's second stint with the Sixers, with the veteran suiting up for the franchise back in the 2021-22 campaign. He finished last season with the Bulls by averaging 8.4 points and 9.0 rebounds. The 30-year-old is arguably the best rebounder in the league, and there's a good chance he will get meaningful minutes in Philly, considering the team will focus on trying to keep Joel Embiid healthy moving ahead.

Russell Westbrook Sun Jun 30 9:30pm

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Los Angeles Clippers are working with guard Russell Westbrook on a trade. The 35-year-old picked up his $4 million player option on Saturday. However, it appears he's already played his final game for the franchise. Westbrook averaged 11.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.1 steals during the 2023-24 campaign. Although his best days are behind him, it's reasonable to believe his production will improve if given a chance to return to the starting lineup for whatever team he lands on next.

Eric Gordon Sun Jun 30 9:10pm

Free-agent guard/forward Eric Gordon agreed to a one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday. The veteran has bounced around since entering the league in 2008 as the No. 7 overall pick. While his production has dropped significantly, he still finished last season with the Phoenix Suns by averaging 11.0 points and 37.8% shooting from deep. Gordon won't be a consistent fantasy producer in Philly. However, he may have more than a few impactful performances, especially since he may start some games during the 2024-25 campaign.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Sun Jun 30 9:00pm

Free-agent guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope agreed to a three-year, $66 million contract with the Orlando Magic. The veteran has spent the last two seasons with the Denver Nuggets and was instrumental in helping the team capture an NBA title in 2022-23. He finished last season by averaging 10.1 points and 2.4 rebounds while shooting 40.6% from behind the arc. Orlando needed a reliable shooting guard, and Caldwell-Pope's championship experience could help the team advance deep into the postseason in 2024-25. His durability and efficiency from deep should continue to make him an attractive commodity for fantasy managers, especially those participating in category formats.

Chris Paul Sun Jun 30 8:50pm

Free agent guard Chris Paul will sign a one-year, $11 million contract with the San Antonio Spurs. After being in the league for nearly two decades, Paul's production has dipped significantly. He appeared in 58 games for the Warriors last season, finishing with averages of 9.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 1.2 steals. While the 39-year-old likely won't be a consistent producer for the up-and-coming Spurs, his presence will be invaluable for the development of reigning Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama and the rest of the young players on a team hoping at least to earn a Play-In bid in 2024-25.

Jonas Valanciunas Sun Jun 30 8:40pm

Free agent center Jonas Valanciunas agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal with the Washington Wizards. The 2011 No. 5 overall pick has been a double-double-caliber producer since entering the league. However, as expected with any aging player, his statistical contributions have declined over the years. He finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds. While Valanciunas should have some productive showings in 2024-25, it will be difficult for him to be a routine fantasy contributor, considering Washington has guys like Alex Sarr, Richaun Holmes, and Marvin Bagley III on the roster.

Paul George Sun Jun 30 4:00pm

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, there is "growing optimism" that the Philadelphia 76ers will sign forward Paul George in free agency. The 34-year-old declined his $48.7 million player option with the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday, putting him in line to hit the open market. He finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals while shooting 41.3% from behind the arc. While George isn't getting any younger, the 76ers will enhance their championship chances by adding him to the roster. Fantasy managers should continue to see top-25 production in 2024-25, regardless of where he signs, assuming he stays healthy.

Precious Achiuwa Sun Jun 30 10:00am

New York Knicks forward Precious Achiuwa won't be extended a qualifying offer by the organization. He'll become a free agent after averaging 7.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 24.2 minutes per game last season. Achiuwa was a reliable contributor but the Knicks appear to have other options. They've traded for Mikal Bridges and re-signed OG Anunoby, so we'll see if they attempt to bring back Achiuwa. He should be able to offer serviceable value to just about any team he joins this offseason.

Klay Thompson Sun Jun 30 10:00am

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson is reportedly headed to free agency this offseason. It sounds like the two sides weren't able to come to an agreement, which likely means the end of Thompson's tenure with the Warriors. Thompson has been with the Warriors since the beginning of the 2011-2012 season. His shooting percentage saw a decline last season, but Thompson is still a deadly option from beyond the arc. The Lakers, Clippers, and Mavericks are already reportedly interested in Thompson. He should have no shortage of suitors this offseason.

Chimezie Metu Sun Jun 30 9:50am

Detroit Pistons forward Chimezie Metu reportedly had his $2.65 player option declined on Saturday. This seems a little odd considering how well Metu played during his brief stint in Detroit. He averaged career highs with 10.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game in 14 contests. Perhaps, the Pistons are already overcrowded with big men so they simply just didn't have room for Metu on their roster. His fantasy value is going to be dependent on where he lands in free agency.

DeAndre Jordan Sun Jun 30 9:40am

Denver Nuggets center DeAndre Jordan is reportedly sticking around with the organization for at least one more season. The veteran big man has reportedly agreed to a one-year, $3.6 million deal for the 2024-2025 season. Jordan should serve as the primary backup center to Nikola Jokic. However, that role usually doesn't come with a ton of playing time as long as Jokic is healthy. Jordan is a solid rebounder but he doesn't offer much fantasy value outside of that.

Patrick Williams Sun Jun 30 9:30am

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams reportedly intends to sign a massive extension with the organization. The Bulls extended a qualifying offer to Williams, but it sounds like the two sides have agreed on a new deal. Williams intends to sign a five-year, $90 million contract to remain in Chicago long term. The Bulls have high hopes for Williams despite him only playing 43 games last season due to injury. At the moment, it seems unlikely that the Bulls are going to bring back DeMar DeRozan which should mean an increased role for Williams next season.

Luke Kennard Sat Jun 29 7:40pm

The Memphis Grizzlies declined the $14.8 million option for guard Luke Kennard on Saturday. The 28-year-old appeared in only 39 games for Memphis last season, averaging 11.0 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.9 rebounds. He also shot 45.0% from behind the arc. Memphis hopes to work out a new agreement. But Kennard should draw plenty of interest on the open market for a team looking for a reliable depth piece.

Bol Bol Sat Jun 29 7:30pm

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Phoenix Suns forward/center Bol Bol plans to sign a one-year deal to return to the team. Bol finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 5.2 points and 3.2 rebounds while shooting 42.3% from behind the arc. The 24-year-old will provide much-needed bench depth for a team hoping to enter the championship conversation. However, Bol, who averaged 10.9 minutes per contest last season, isn't expected to be a reliable contributor for fantasy managers in 2024-25.

Jalen Smith Sat Jun 29 7:30pm

Indiana Pacers forward/center Jalen Smith declined his $5.4 million player option on Saturday. Smith, the 2020 No. 10 overall pick, appeared in 61 games for the Pacers last season, averaging 9.9 points and 5.5 rebounds. The 24-year-old will now test the open market, where he should see interest from clubs around the National Basketball Association. With that in mind, Smith is a talented player, but he will need minutes before earning a spot on more fantasy rosters for the 2024-25 campaign.

Cam Reddish Sat Jun 29 7:30pm

Los Angeles Lakers forward Cam Reddish exercised his $2.5 million player option on Saturday. The former Duke Blue Devil had the worst year of his career in 2023-24, averaging 5.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.0 steals. He was also limited to just 48 games due to injury. Whether Reddish remains in Los Angeles or finds himself on another team for the 2024-25 campaign, he must see the floor more before earning a spot on fantasy rosters.

Richaun Holmes Sat Jun 29 5:40pm

Washington Wizards center Richaun Holmes declined his $12.8 million player option. However, he has agreed to a new two-year, $25.9 million contract to remain with the Wizards. The 30-year-old averaged double-digit scoring in three of his four seasons with the Sacramento Kings. Since then, he struggled to find a meaningful role in Dallas and Washington. Although Holmes adds depth to a rebuilding team, he will likely have issues getting on the floor moving ahead, which won't improve his fantasy value for the 2024-25 campaign.

LeBron James Sat Jun 29 5:30pm

According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, impending free agent forward LeBron James will "work" with the Los Angeles Lakers on his next contract "if it means adding an impact player." The 39-year-old declined his $51.4 million player option Saturday, although he's expected to remain with the Lakers. James finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. He also appeared in 71 games despite making routine appearances on the league's official injury report. However, if the Lakers enhance the roster, it could help James play fewer minutes and stay healthy during the year.