DERRICK JONES JR. NEWS

Declines player option Jones declined his $3.3 million player option for the 2023-24 season, making him an unrestricted free agent, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.

Impact Jones made 64 appearances last year, averaging 5.0 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals-plus-blocks across 14.0 minutes per game. He shot 50 percent from the field, 33.8 percent from three (1.3 attempts per game) and 73.8 percent from the free-throw line. Jones' defensive versatility makes him an intriguing option on the open market.

JUNE 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Scores 10 as reserve Jones finished with 10 points (3-6 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 3-4 FT), three rebounds, one block and one steal in 19 minutes during Wednesday's 116-91 loss to the 76ers.

Impact Jones fell out of Chicago's rotation between mid-February and mid-March, but his playing time has increased over the last two matchups, both against the 76ers. The 26-year-old has posted 10 points and three rebounds in each matchup while averaging 17.5 minutes per game. While Jones' uptick in playing time against Philadelphia has been encouraging, it seems unlikely that he'll be a reliable fantasy option late in the regular season.

MARCH 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Derrick Jones Jr.'s game-saving block shows the flexibility needed to keep the Chicago Bulls afloat in the East The Chicago Bulls have adapted their game plans to limit teams defensively, posting the best defense in the NBA after the All-Star break.

MARCH 21, 2023 • CHICAGOTRIBUNE.COM

Not on Friday's injury report Jones (groin) isn't on the injury report for Friday's game against Brooklyn.

Impact Jones participated in the Bulls' last two practice sessions and has been cleared for game action during the team's first matchup after the All-Star break. He missed Chicago's previous two games but will likely be able to handle a relatively normal workload Friday.

FEBRUARY 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Participates in Thursday's practice Jones (groin) was a full participant in Thursday's practice session, Will Gottlieb of AllCHGO.com reports.

Impact Jones participated in Wednesday's non-contact practice and didn't have any limitations during Thursday's session. Despite missing the Bulls' final two games prior to the All-Star break, he seems to have a good chance to return to action Friday against the Nets.

FEBRUARY 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Practices Wednesday Jones (groin) participated in Wednesday's non-contact practice, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Impact Jones didn't play in Chicago's final two games heading into the All-Star break due to a groin issue, but he's trending in a positive direction after getting through Wednesday's practice. He might be able to return for Friday's matchup with the Nets, although it's unlikely he'll receive minutes outside the teens, so he's not an attractive fantasy option in most formats.

FEBRUARY 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

NBA Slam-Dunk Contest Winners 2023 — Mac McClung, Philadelphia 2022 — Obi Toppin, New York 2021 — Anfernee Simons, Portland 2020 — Derrick Jones Jr., Miami 2019 — Hamidou...

FEBRUARY 19, 2023 • SANDIEGOUNIONTRIBUNE.COM

Remains out Thursday Jones (groin) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against Milwaukee.

Impact Jones sustained a groin strain Monday against the Magic, and he'll be unavailable for a second consecutive game before the All-Star break. The 26-year-old will have over a week to rest before Chicago faces the Nets on Feb. 24, but it's unclear whether he'll be able to return immediately after the layoff.

FEBRUARY 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Officially listed as out Jones (groin) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Indiana.

Impact As expected, Jones won't suit up Wednesday after leaving Monday's loss to Orlando with a groin strain. His status for the second half of Chicago's back-to-back set Wednesday remains unclear, but he can likely be considered questionable, at best. DeMar DeRozan (thigh) and Javonte Green (knee) will also be sidelined against the Pacers, so Dalen Terry figures to be a core part of the rotation for the first time in his career.

FEBRUARY 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Looking doubtful for Wednesday Jones is unlikely to play Wednesday versus the Pacers due to a groin strain, Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

Impact Jones left Monday's loss to Orlando after playing just nine minutes and will likely remain sidelined for Chicago's subsequent contest. DeMar DeRozan (thigh) is also unlikely to play, and Javonte Green (knee) remains out, so Dalen Terry, who played a career-high nine minutes versus the Magic, could be in store for an elevated role in the Bulls rotation.

FEBRUARY 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Darnell Mayberry: Derrick Jones Jr. will not return to tonight's... - The Athletic Derrick Jones Jr. will not return to tonight's game against Orlando due to a right adductor strain, the Bulls announced.

FEBRUARY 14, 2023 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Shut down with injury Jones won't return to Monday's game against the Magic due to a left adductor strain, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Impact Jones' night will come to an early end after exiting with a hip injury. He'll finish with one point (1-2 FT), one rebound and two steals in nine minutes. Andre Drummond and Tony Bradley could see an uptick in minutes during the second half as a result.

FEBRUARY 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Getting more run at power forward Jones finished Tuesday's 104-89 loss to the Grizzlies with five points (1-4 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and four rebounds in 14 minutes.

Impact Andre Drummond has been seeing more run of late as the top backup to starting center Nikola Vucevic, but Jones' ability to play reserve minutes at forward has enabled him to maintain a steady role in the Chicago rotation. Through four games in February, Jones is averaging 3.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 0.8 steals and 0.5 blocks in 16.3 minutes.

FEBRUARY 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Officially available Tuesday Jones (ankle) will be in uniform for Tuesday's game versus the Clippers.

Impact Jones was termed probable leading up to the contest, so this isn't exactly a surprise on that front. He should continue in his frontcourt depth duties logging double-digit minutes off the bench, but he doesn't produce enough to warrant fantasy consideration in most formats.

JANUARY 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Probable Tuesday Jones is probable for Tuesday's contest against the Clippers due to a left ankle sprain, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Impact The high-flying forward has come off the bench in 13 consecutive contests for the Bulls and appears likely to suit up again Tuesday. During that stretch, Jones has averaged 6.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 18.8 minutes per game.

JANUARY 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Good to go Jones (leg) has returned to Saturday's game against the magic, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Impact Jones headed to the locker room earlier in the contest after suffering what appeared to be a leg injury. However, he has returned to the contest.

JANUARY 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Heads to locker room Jones limped to the locker room Saturday after suffering what appeared to be a leg injury against the Magic, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Impact The specifics of Jones' injury are unknown, and he should be considered questionable to return.

JANUARY 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Racks up seven rebounds in defeat Jones provided three points (1-1 FG, 1-2 FT), seven rebounds and three assists over 23 minutes during Thursday's 111-96 loss to the Hornets.

Impact Jones had limited looks from the floor during Thursday's defeat, but he managed to secure a season-high seven rebounds against the Hornets while matching his highest total of the year in assists. The 25-year-old hasn't had much fantasy relevance, as he's averaged just 6.8 points and 3.5 rebounds in 19.1 minutes per game over 12 appearances since returning from an ankle injury.

JANUARY 27, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Set to play against Utah Jones (wrist) is available for Saturday's game versus the Jazz.

Impact Jones has been upgraded from probable to available Saturday with a right wrist sprain. He is averaging 7.3 points and 3.7 rebounds in 17.0 minutes across his last three outings.

JANUARY 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Probable for Saturday Jones is listed as probable for Saturday's game versus the Jazz with a right wrist sprain.

Impact Jones doesn't appear to be at risk of missing out Saturday, suggesting his wrist issue is relatively minor. He should slot into a bench double-digit bench role again for the Bulls, but he doesn't typically produce enough to justify fantasy consideration.

JANUARY 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Will play Wednesday Jones (eye) is available for Wednesday's matchup against the Nets, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Impact Jones was initially listed as questionable for Wednesday's matchup due to a right eye contusion, but he'll ultimately be available for the contest. Last time out, Jones posted six points and six rebounds in 22 minutes off the bench.

JANUARY 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Deemed questionable Wednesday Jones is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Nets due to a right eye contusion.

Impact Jones returned to the court Monday against Cleveland after missing time with a sprained ankle, and he logged six points and six rebounds in 22 minutes. However, he was a late addition to Wednesday's injury report due to an eye issue, and it's not yet clear whether he'll be able to suit up.

JANUARY 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Gets 22 minutes in return Jones (ankle) played 22 minutes off the bench and finished with six points (3-4 FG, 0-1 3Pt) and six rebounds in Monday's 145-134 overtime loss to the Cavaliers.

Impact Before sitting out the Bulls' previous six games with a left ankle sprain, Jones appeared to be encroaching on Andre Drummond's role as the top backup center, but head coach Billy Donovan found room for both big men on the second unit while forward Javonte Green (knee) sat out Monday. Once Green re-enters the mix, Jones looks more likely to keep his spot in the rotation than Drummond, who played just under seven minutes Monday and picked up two fouls while the Bulls leaned heavily on starter Nikola Vucevic.

JANUARY 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Available Monday Jones (ankle) is available for Monday's game against the Cavaliers.

Impact Jones missed the last six games due to his ankle injury but was probable ahead of Monday's matchup. Over 10 appearances prior to his absence, he averaged 6.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in 14.9 minutes per game.

JANUARY 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Probable to face Cavs Jones has been listed as probable for Monday's game against the Cavaliers due to a left ankle sprain.

Impact Jones was active for Saturday's game against Cleveland, but he didn't take the court and has now missed six contests in a row. If he ends up being available, then he should operate as Nikola Vucevic's backup off the bench. He's averaging 5.5 points and 2.3 rebounds per game.

JANUARY 1, 2023 • ROTOWIRE