Damian Jones signs in China

Jones is taking his talents to another league.

Former Cleveland Cavaliers center Damian Jones has reportedly signed a deal to join Zhejiang Chouzhou in China.

Jones played for seven different NBA franchises across eight seasons. He was a backend rotational player for two championship seasons in Golden State and most recently averaged 2.7 points in 39 games for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Cavs signed Jones last summer hoping to find a full-time backup big. The franchise has been without a reliable frontcourt option since losing Kevin Love in early 2023. Instead, Jones became nothing more than an emergency option when the rest of the rotation was depleted. It did not bode well for Jones that his projected role was quickly filled by Tristan Thompson — a veteran player who had been entirely out of the league just a year ago.

Jones has always had intrigue as a near seven-footer with broad shoulders and high-end athleticism. He’s got the size and mobility to be a rim-running center. On occasion, his shot-blocking ability made Jones a force to be reckoned with. He just never had the grace or coordination to fully realize this potential for long stretches. Not at the NBA level, at least.

Signing in China offers Jones a chance to flash his raw skill set. At just 29 years old, there is still a long and prosperous basketball career on the table for him. As for the Cavs, the hunt for a reliable backup center continues.