Free Agent Big Man Kai Jones Agrees To Multi-Year Deal With Western Contender

As a former first-rounder who was released back in October by the Charlotte Hornets, big man Kai Jones has been looking for another opportunity in the NBA. A 10-day contract signed with the Philadelphia 76ers last month never panned out, but now, he's got himself a multiyear deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. He'll even be eligible for the playoffs.

Free agent C/F Kai Jones is finalizing a multiyear deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, joining their playoff roster, sources tell me and @LawMurrayTheNU. Clippers take a chance on the talented 2021 19th overall pick. The 6-foot-11 big man recently completed a 10-day with 76ers. pic.twitter.com/3U0ghlQF18

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 13, 2024

The 6'11" center/power forward was a first round pick in 2021 (19th overall selection) but has had off-the-court troubles mar his career to this point. 

After a series of bizarre personal issues that included going live on Instagram this past September, slurring his speech, and then calling out some of his teammates on X/Twitter. He eventually demanded a trade in early October, and instead was waived by the Hornets.

The mercurial 23-year-old came into the NBA with high hopes as a highly athletic and skilled big man, but in two seasons with Charlotte, he wasn't able to live up to the promise, averaging just 2.7 points and two rebounds in about nine minutes of action per night in 67 games across the two years. 

The Clippers waived Josh Primo to create roster space. Primo was averaging 16 points in the G League, but suffered a season-ending ankle injury that will keep him out until summer.

They're now hoping that Jones can provide some highlights like these, while helping their playoff push: