While the Cleveland Cavaliers are still figuring out how to improve their roster this summer, it seems they won't be able to count on James Jones for the next season. Jones, who will turn 37 in October this year, is planning to retire. The forward signed a one-year deal with the Cavaliers last season and is currently a free agent. He was paid $1.5 million last year and considering his age, it is unlikely that a lot of teams will pursue him.
While some teams with younger rosters could use Jones for his experience, it's a fact that he's not a valuable player on the court.
Because of this, the Cavaliers most likely won't offer him another contract. If Jones retires, he will end his 14-year NBA career that started in Indiana and ended in Cleveland.
James Jones' career
James Jones was the 49th overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft. He was drafted by the Indiana Pacers and he spent his first two years playing for the team. After the Pacers, Jones joined the Phoenix Suns for two years then the Portland Trail Blazers for a single season.
In 2008, Jones was signed by the Heat and he ended up playing six seasons in Miami. Jones won two championship rings with the Heat in 2012 and 2013 and he also won another championship with the Cavaliers in 2016.
Even though he was never a superstar, Jones was a valuable player and a really good three-point shooter.
His best career year was in Phoenix when he averaged 9.3 points per game. In six seasons, he shot over 40 percent from long range and his career three-point percentage is 40.1 percent. Jones also shot 51.9 percent from beyond the arc in 2014, which was incredibly efficient.
Since he was a great three-point shooter, the small forward participated in three-point shooting contest a few times.
He won the competition in 2011.
What's next for Jones?
Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com reported that Jones will not return next season. However, this doesn't mean that Jones won't stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers as there is a good chance that the team will keep him as a coach.
Despite not spending a lot of time on the floor, Jones was an important part of the Cavaliers and he helped the team a lot off the court.
LeBron James has commented about Jones' importance a few times, so it won't be surprising if he stays in Cleveland for a few more years.
Without James Jones, the Cavaliers now have 13 players on their roster. They are expected to pursue Jamal Crawford to fill one of the remaining spots.
