Now that Derrick Jones Jr. has officially accepted his player option with the Portland Trail Blazers for the 2021-2022 season, the team has much more flexibility regarding the sixth-year forward.
The team could have him play out his contract to see if he can be the athletic 3-and-D wing they acquired him to be or they can trade his expiring deal for immediate depth.
Having DJJ opt out for the year would have been the worst-case scenario for the Blazers as he would have entered free agency and they would have lost him for nothing in return. Instead, the organization now has the choice of whether to keep him or flip him for assets.
Derrick Jones Jr. made the best move for him and the Portland Trail Blazers
Jones Jr. is slated to make $9.7 million next year according to his deal. Had he opted out, he likely would not have landed a contract that would have paid him as high a figure yearly.
By picking up his option, DJJ is foregoing long-term financial security, instead betting on himself that he can earn a more lucrative deal after the 2021-2022 season when he enters unrestricted free agency.
The Trail Blazers would be wise to see what he can offer on the court going into next season and then decide before the trade deadline if they need to move him. Of course, his value could be at its highest right now, before he plays another NBA game and further tanks the interest surrounding him.
If he does develop into the player the Blazers need, his $9.7 million could be a steal. If not, it’ll be a great figure to work with in constructing the following deals: