Miami's NBA team, the Heat, tested out free basketball player, Kai Jones, on Monday
The Miami Heat have shown active interest in former NBA draft pick Kai Jones for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The team conducted a workout with Jones and plans to keep him at their team facility through Thursday [1][3][4].
Jones, who was selected with the 19th pick in the 2021 NBA draft by the New York Knicks, had a tumultuous journey in his first few seasons in the league. He spent the first two seasons of his professional career with the Charlotte Hornets, appearing in 67 games and making no starts [6]. Following a trade request at the end of the 2022-23 season, Jones was released by the Hornets [7].
In the 2024-25 season, Jones played for the LA Clippers and Dallas Mavericks. He signed a two-way deal with the Clippers in April 2024 and played in 28 games during the season. Jones later joined the Mavericks, playing in 12 games and making six starts, averaging a career-high 21.7 minutes per game [8]. However, the Mavericks chose not to re-sign Jones this offseason, leaving him as a free agent.
The Miami Heat currently have 14 players on standard contracts, and Jones would be the 15th player to receive a standard contract on their roster if he is signed [4]. The team could add a 15th player to their roster before the start of the 2025-26 season or early in the season [5].
The Heat view Jones as a potentially valuable backup big man with athleticism and upside. However, he has been inconsistent, and his fit in Miami remains to be seen [5]. Jones is competing for a spot during training camp, and his making the roster depends on his performance and the team's needs [1][5].
It's worth noting that Jones has options beyond the NBA, as he has interest from European teams such as Virtus Bologna [1][2][3].
As of August 2025, no official signing has occurred yet, but the Miami Heat are considering adding Jones to their roster for the 2025-26 season [1][3][4]. The Heat are known for their rigorous training camps, and Jones will have to prove himself to earn a spot on the team.
[1] - flasportsbuzz, August 12, 2025. [2] - Chris Haynes, August 12, 2025. [3] - Barry Jackson, August 12, 2025. [4] - Miami Heat Press Release, April 24, 2024. [5] - NBA.com, August 12, 2025. [6] - ESPN, August 12, 2025. [7] - Sporting News, July 6, 2023. [8] - Basketball Reference, August 12, 2025.
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