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Derrick Jones Jr. signed with the Dallas Mavericks on a veteran minimum contract. He's outplayed that deal to become a key starter for Dallas during their playoff run.

Now, Jones hopes to return to the Mavericks as a free agent, but understands the team is limited in what they can offer him.

“He loves his teammates, he loves Jason Kidd, he really likes the front office, (Mavericks president) Nico (Harrison) and Matt Riccardi,” Jones agent Aaron Turner said. “He wants to be back.”

Jones started in 66 of the 76 games he played this season. He averaged a career-high 8.6 points per game on 48% shooting, including a career-best 34% on three-pointers. In 10 playoff games, Jones has upped his scoring a bit to 8.9 points, while also adding 1.5 blocks per game.

Via Tim Cato/The Athletic

He’s like a budget OG Anonouby.

Not sure what they should pay him.

All they can offer is the taxpayer MLE, right? That seems okay for a player with a limited role like him