To give two-way extraordinaire Mike James a standard contract today, the Suns have to drop someone.
It’ll be Derrick Jones Jr.
Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports:
The Phoenix Suns are waiving Derrick Jones Jr. to create space to sign two-way guard Mike James for rest of season, league sources say.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 7, 2017
Right now, Jones is a borderline NBA player who has played more for Phoenix’s minor-league affiliate than the parent club. But he’s just 20 and possesses jump-out-of-the-gym athleticism. Remember him in the dunk contest?
Though he’s earning a minimum salary, a team can’t claim Jones off waivers with the minimum-salary exception, because his contract is longer than two years. Still, the two additional years left on his deal – unguaranteed, as is this season – should make him only more appealing to teams with room or another exception.
The Suns surely tried to trade him before reaching this decision, but obviously found no takers. But I wouldn’t rule out a team claiming him now that it no longer must surrender an asset to Phoenix.
