The Miami Heat are holding on to free agent forward-center Kai Jones at the Kaseya Center through Thursday as they continue evaluating the 24-year-old, according to a source shared by reporter Barry Jackson. Jones is currently working out with the team while Miami considers their options before training camp.
Jones, the 19th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, played for the Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks during the 2024-25 season. He appeared in 40 games, averaging 5.0 points and 3.1 rebounds over 11.7 minutes per game.
Starting the season on a two-way contract with the Clippers, Jones was waived in early March after roster moves. The Mavericks then signed him to help bolster their injury-depleted frontcourt. In Dallas, Jones improved his output, averaging 11.4 points and 6.6 rebounds across 12 games while starting six times.
Over the weekend, reports surfaced that Jones was nearing a deal with EuroLeague’s Virtus Bologna, suggesting a potential move overseas. However, recent updates indicate he remains focused on securing a spot back in the NBA for the 2025-26 campaign.
Miami currently has 14 players on standard contracts and can add a 15th before camp or early in the season. Jones, who is no longer eligible for a two-way deal, must make a standard roster to start the year in the league.
The Heat have a history of inviting veteran free agents to workouts during the offseason. Players such as R.J. Hampton and Nassir Little earned training camp invites this way.
