In 2017, Miami Heat took the opportunity for Derrick Jones Jr., signing him with a two-way contract after being released by the Phoenix Suns.
Since then, he has become a solid role player for Heat, receiving more and more game time each season and gaining the trust of the coaching staff.
Heat is likely to hold him back this low season and the 23-year-old has now said he doesn’t want to be part of another team.
DJJ: “I never want to be on another team. I love it here.”
– Five Reasons Sports Network (@ 5ReasonsSports) July 14, 2020
In April, the attacker said he wanted to spend the rest of his career in Miami and has now reiterated it.
Statements like these show the type of team culture, highly valued throughout the league, that the Heat organization has created over the years.
Throughout his time with Heat, Jones Jr. averaged 7.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.
This season has been the best of his career, averaging 8.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 24.5 minutes per game.
Jones Jr.’s contract expires after this season and will be an unrestricted free agent this season.