Former Dallas Mavericks two-way player Kai Jones is reportedly working out for the Miami Heat. Jones, 24, last played for the Mavericks in 2025. Here’s what you need to know.
Kai Jones Is Working Out for the Miami Heat
NBA insider Chris Haynes posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday. Jones’ post read, “Free agent F/C Kai Jones is working out for the Miami Heat today, league sources tell me. The 2021 first-rounder remains a young, athletic prospect.”
Haynes’ post attracted mixed reviews. One user asked, “All because of an Instagram Live? lol he is a star athlete, idk what the Hornets was doing, tbh.” Another user responded, “He was lowkey tough with Dallas.”
His Career
Kai Jones’ professional basketball career began in 2021. The New York Knicks selected Jones with the 19th overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft. The Knicks then traded him to the Charlotte Hornets, with whom he played from 2021 to 2023, alongside the Greensboro Swarm.
The Hornets suspended Jones due to a bizarre social media video where he criticized his teammates, spoke in incoherent speech, and said he was the best basketball player of all time.
Jones played for the Delaware Blue Coats, Los Angeles Clippers, San Diego Clippers, and Dallas Mavericks before becoming a free agent in 2025. He averaged 5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game, along with a 79.8% field goal percentage in the 2024-25 NBA season.
Final Thoughts
Jones could be getting another opportunity on an NBA roster soon. Jones reportedly had a productive workout in Miami. After all, the Miami Heat has several roster spots available after struggling with defensive, offensive, third-quarter, player performance, and offensive rating struggles.
Jones’s hard work, passion, growth mindset, self-belief, resilience, positive attitude, and determination make him a great fit for the Heat. Jones has also shown potential while being proactive about seeking opportunities to prove himself on an NBA roster.
