Former Mavericks Star Shocks Fans with Unexpected Overseas Contract Deal

So here’s a curveball that might ruffle some Dallas Mavericks fans: Kai Jones, the guy who’s been fluttering around the NBA fringes for three seasons, is packing his bags for the EuroLeague. Yep, you heard that right — the promising big man who once laced up with Dallas is reportedly on the verge of sealing a deal with Anadolu Efes Istanbul. It makes you wonder — when a player can’t quite find his rhythm in the NBA’s dizzying spotlight, does a move overseas become a smart pivot or an outright signal that the NBA dream’s slipping through your fingers? Jones’ journey, from the Hornets’ shadows to brief stints with the Clippers and Mavericks — all featuring limited minutes and even fewer highlights — leaves us pondering just how many players like him can actually find their spark beyond these borders. As the Mavericks’ logo looms large on the hardwood, one can’t help but ask: is this the end of the line or just an intermission in Jones’ professional hoop tale?

Kai Jones has spent just three seasons in the NBA, but his time in the league may be coming to an end, at least temporarily.

Donatas Urbonas is reporting that Jones is leaving the NBA for the EuroLeague and is close to a deal with Anadolu Efes Istanbul.

Basketball fans last remember Jones with the Dallas Mavericks after a couple of seasons of never fully finding his footing.

Kai Jones is reportedly leaving the NBA for the EuroLeague and is nearing an agreement with Anadolu Efes Istanbul, per @Urbodo pic.twitter.com/U2h2d1h9l8

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 11, 2025

Jones was actually with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Mavericks last season, averaging 5.0 points and 3.1 rebounds between the two teams.

He wasn’t getting many minutes, and more people assumed he’d have a hard time finding more responsibilities and opportunities in the season ahead.

So, like many other NBA players, he is going to try to see what he can do overseas and start a new chapter of his career.

Jones got his start with the Charlotte Hornets in 2021-22, averaging just a single point a game during his rookie season.

The team would eventually cut ties with him before the 2023-24 NBA season, and he missed much of the year before signing a short-term deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.

After an injury in the G League, Jones was without a team but then signed with the Clippers.

Jones has been a free agent this summer and hasn’t created much buzz on the market, so a move like this isn’t a shock.

But he will have the chance to come back to the NBA.

Most players who travel overseas have a clause in their contracts that allows them to return to the league if a team wants them.

However, based on his limited amount of time on the court, it seems unlikely that another NBA team will be calling on him anytime soon.

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