In 2012, many Celtics fans wanted the team to draft Perry Jones III over Fab Melo, but the Celtics opted to take Melo. Melo was a bust, and Perry Jones hasn’t exactly panned out either. Nonetheless, the Celtics are going to give Jones a shot.
From Steve Bulpett of The Boston Herald:
Celtics will be acquiring Perry Jones, a second round pick and cash from Oklahoma City. Not really giving up anything. Tax deal for OKC.
— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) July 14, 2015
Darnell Mayberry of the Oklahoman gave more details:
The Thunder will receive a protected second-round pick from Boston and a trade exception of about $2.1 million. But this is a salary dump.
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) July 14, 2015
It looks like the Thunder have given up on Jones. I like this move for Boston — what’s not to like? Sure, Jones hasn’t been great so far, but I mean… he’s 23. He’s got plenty of time to grow. He already has excellent size and athleticism for a small forward. He just needs to work on his jump shot. For his career he’s shot 29.3% from deep, and last year he shot 23.3% from that range. He’s also never really been given a chance to shine. Last year he played just 14.7 minutes a game for Oklahoma City… and that mark was his career high. Perhaps on a rebuilding Boston team he’ll be able to get more minutes. Plus, Boston gets a second-rounder out of the deal.
It’s not a bad move for OKC necessarily. While I am of the opinion that it’s too early to label Jones a bust, the Thunder clearly don’t plan on him being a part of their future, so why not get rid of him and save some money? It makes sense, especially when you consider that the Thunder just signed Enes Kanter to a huge deal.
This has been a pretty productive season for the Celtics thus far. They drafted a solid point guard in Terry Rozier and a good shooter in R.J. Hunter, and acquired a couple of nice big men in David Lee and Amir Johnson.
I have a feeling that Danny Ainge isn’t done quite yet. Who knows whether or not the Celtics will keep Perry Jones? Regardless, it isn’t exactly a big risk. Jones will make just over a million dollars next season, and is on an expiring contract. The Celtics definitely have room on the wing, so Jones will be a nice fit if Boston decides to keep him.
