Bahamian professional basketball player Kai Jones remains an unsigned free agent ahead of the 2025–2026 National Basketball Association (NBA) season, which is set to begin preseason play on October 2.
The former Dallas Mavericks center is currently eyeing a deal with Anadolu Efes Istanbul, a team based in Turkey, according to reports.
Jones worked out with the Miami Heat last month, but was unable to ink a deal with the team.
He returned home last week to host the inaugural 1UP Cup Tournament, and spoke to reporters about his free agency up to this point.
“That is still in the works. I am now representing myself. I have got a few offers on the table, so it is still in the works and I am still considering,” the former NBA center said.
Jones last suited up for the injury-plagued Dallas Mavericks last season, after being waived by the Los Angeles Clippers in March. The former NBA first-rounder played the most minutes of his career (21.7) and started in six of his 12 games with the team.
During his Mavericks stint, he averaged a career-high 11.4 points per game and 6.6 rebounds, on a stellar 83.6 percent shooting from the field and 70 percent from the free-throw line.
Jones had a few big games while playing in Dallas, Texas — the state where he went to college.
In his first game as a Maverick, he scored a career-high 21 points to pair with eight rebounds against the Sacramento Kings. He was also efficient, shooting 9-for-10 from the field.
While still on the NBA free agent market, Jones was selected to join the Bahamas men’s national basketball team at the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup Tournament in Managua, Nicaragua. However, he never suited up for any of the games due to injury.
He spoke on his health heading into the new basketball season.
“My body feels great. I have been working and recovering… I feel great, body feels the best that it has ever felt. I am really happy, feeling loose, free, athletic, so I am ready to play,” he told reporters.
Jones was drafted as the 19th pick of the 2021 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets.
He spent two seasons with the team before inking a short-term deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, which ended with an injury in a G-League game.
He was then signed by the Los Angeles Clippers and appeared in 28 games before being waived in March.
The former NBA center averaged 2.2 points and 1.6 rebounds in those 28 games with the Clippers.
It remains to be seen whether Jones will find another NBA home or take his talents overseas.