Thunder Champion Dillon Jones Joins New Team in Bold Midseason Move

After a rollercoaster rookie year that ended in a championship, Dillon Jones is looking for redemption with a Knicks team chasing another title run.

Dillon Jones Signs Two-Way Deal with Knicks, Eyes Second Straight Title

Dillon Jones has already experienced the ultimate high in professional basketball - winning an NBA championship. As a rookie with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he reached the sport’s pinnacle by hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy in his first season. Now, midway through year two, the versatile forward is getting another shot at glory, this time with a new contender: the New York Knicks.

Jones has signed a two-way contract with the Knicks, a team that’s firmly in the mix in the Eastern Conference. Despite some recent bumps in the road, New York is riding the momentum of its NBA Cup victory and currently holds a top-three spot in the East with a 25-18 record. The addition of Jones may not make national headlines, but for a team with championship aspirations, it’s a savvy move that could pay off in the margins.

A Full-Circle Moment

Jones’ journey to New York has a bit of symmetry to it. He was originally drafted with a pick that belonged to the Knicks - though it was the Washington Wizards who made the selection.

From there, he was sent to Oklahoma City, where he played his rookie season and captured a title. While his time with the Thunder didn’t exactly live up to first-round expectations, there were flashes - moments where his all-around game and high basketball IQ hinted at something more.

After being traded to Washington in late June, Jones spent the summer with the Wizards, including a full run in Summer League. But just before the regular season tipped off, he was waived - a tough break that left him without a team and seemingly at a career crossroads.

G League Resurgence

That setback didn’t define him. Instead, Jones reset in the G League, where he was selected first overall in the 2025 G League Draft by the Rip City Remix. And he made the most of the opportunity.

In 10 games with the Remix, Jones put up strong numbers across the board: 16.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, while shooting 35.7 percent from deep. Those are the kind of stats that don’t just fill a box score - they tell the story of a player who can do a little bit of everything. Whether initiating offense, crashing the boards, or defending multiple positions, Jones showed he’s more than capable of contributing at the next level.

It wasn’t just about the numbers, though. It was about the way he played - with purpose, with poise, and with the kind of hunger you expect from someone who’s tasted success and is desperate to get back.

What This Means for the Knicks

For the Knicks, this is a low-risk, high-upside move. Two-way contracts offer flexibility, and Jones brings a unique blend of size, skill, and versatility that could fit into a number of lineups. He’s not being brought in to carry the load, but in a playoff push where depth matters and injuries can shift rotations in a heartbeat, having a player like Jones in your system is a smart play.

New York’s front office has made it clear they’re all-in on contending this season. Adding a player who’s already been through the rigors of a title run - even in a limited role - brings a level of experience that’s hard to find on the margins.

The Road Ahead

Dillon Jones has already lived the dream once. But after a whirlwind year that saw him go from champion to waived to G League standout, he’s now back in the big league mix with a chance to chase ring number two.

This isn’t just a second chance - it’s a second act. And if his time in the G League is any indication, he’s ready to make the most of it.