Center Kai Jones is on the verge of signing with Turkish powerhouse Anadolu Efes, according to BasketNews reporter Donatas Urbonas.
The 24-year-old held a workout with the Miami Heat last month, but Miami shifted its roster plans after reaching an agreement with guard Dru Smith. Before meeting with the Heat, Jones had reportedly been close to a contract with Italian club Virtus Bologna.
Jones split the 2024-25 NBA season between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks, appearing in 40 games and averaging 5.0 points and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 79.8% from the floor in 11.7 minutes per contest. He began the campaign on a two-way deal with the Clippers, who waived him on March 1 to open two-way roster spots. Dallas, dealing with multiple frontcourt injuries during its push for a play-in berth, signed him immediately afterward.
The 6-foot-11 big man was selected 19th overall in the 2021 draft by the Charlotte Hornets and spent his first two NBA seasons with that franchise. Urbonas notes that Jones’s expected contract with Anadolu Efes will include a January exit clause, allowing him to pursue other opportunities mid-season if desired.
Source: Hoops Rumors
