The Golden State Warriors have already done most of their roster housekeeping ahead of training camp, adding Brandon Williams, Georges Niang and Dalen Terry in recent days. But one spot is still unresolved: 54th overall pick Lajae Jones.
Jones remains in the mix for Golden State’s third two-way contract after flashing enough during summer league to keep the conversation alive. Early chatter after the draft pointed toward a possible draft-and-stash route, with Jones potentially headed overseas to log real minutes and continue developing before a future return to the Warriors.
That remains on the table, but Jones also brings a more immediate résumé than a typical stash candidate. The 22-year-old spent three seasons in college and last season at Florida State averaged 12.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 42.7% from the field and 32.5% from 3-point range.
His summer league role was modest, even with Golden State’s title run. Jones came off the bench in nine total appearances between the California Classic and Las Vegas, averaging 7.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in 17.1 minutes per game. The production suggested potential, even if the shooting numbers were still light: 41% from the floor and 25% from deep.
The Warriors now have to decide whether that was enough to earn Jones a two-way deal, or whether they’d rather go another direction with a player such as Graham Ike, who started at center in summer league and drew attention for his work around the rim on both ends.
There was also a path for Jones to land on the main roster if Golden State needed a low-cost second-round contract for tax relief or if the team had been squeezed close to the first or second apron. That scenario never materialized. The Warriors missed out on LeBron James and others, then used the flexibility they had to sign Niang and Williams to minimum deals.
If Jones does wind up with that third two-way slot alongside LJ Cryer and Malevy Leons, the expectation would still be limited time with the big club. Golden State would likely keep the focus on his development with Santa Cruz in the G League.
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