James Jones contemplating Portland future

The countdown is on for James Jones.

The Trail Blazers' small forward has until June 25, the day before the NBA draft, to decide whether or not to exercise a $3.2 million player option that would keep him in Portland for at least one more season. If he opts out, Jones would become a free agent.

Reached by phone Monday in Miami, Jones said was still weighing his options and did not plan on making a decision until the NBA Finals conclude and his deadline approaches.

"I was a finance major in college and in business you don't make decisions until you absolutely have to," Jones said. "I'll wait all the way up to the 25th to make a decision."

Jones said there are "many factors" involved in his decision, but he did not elaborate on what those factors were. It would seem that Jones is wrestling the prospect of landing a long-term deal against his strong desire to remain in Portland.

At the end of the Blazers' season, Jones said he loved playing in Portland, liked the direction the organization was headed and felt comfortable with his role on the team. On the court, Jones was among the NBA's three-point shooting percentage leaders for most of the season and drew regular praise from coach Nate McMillan because of the experience and "know-how" he brought to the game. Jones averaged 8.0 points and 2.8 rebounds and shot 44.4 percent from three-point range last season.

Off the court, Jones developed into an important leader in the locker room, offering a positive and calming presence on the league's youngest team.

However, he also played with a balky left knee throughout the season that limited him to 58 games. After taking an extended break this offseason, Jones said on Monday that he resumed physical and basketball activities (riding a bike, running, shooting and jumping) about three weeks ago and that his knee "felt good."

The Blazers traded for Jones on draft day last season and he said the team's promise and potential for success in the future make it an alluring team. He even mentioned that he would like to retire as a Blazer.

"It's about growth," Jones said. "The pieces are there for every player on the team to grow in some aspect of basketball. The mentality in this game, the goal, is to play a long time and be successful. And to do that you have to grow. Portland definitely provides a spot for extreme growth. We'll see. Hopefully, I can retire in the black and red."

But even if Jones exercises his player option that is not a guarantee. General Manager Kevin Pritchard would not comment on Jones' contract status or on the possibility of signing the 6-foot-8 forward to a multi-year deal. Those decisions, Pritchard said, would be addressed after Jones informs the team about his option.

Pritchard did, however, credit Jones' experience and leadership abilities.

"You always look at that," Pritchard said. "On the court, this is what he brought to the team. In life in general, you have to kind of have some life experiences. He's been around the league and he's been with some good teams. There's a lot of value in that.

If Jones opts out, he likely would do so to pursue a multi-year contract.

"I've been thinking about it and it's hard to say," Jones said. "Of course, I want the security of a long-term deal. But I've also experienced something in Portland that I haven't in other places. It's one of those things where I'd like to have long-term security but there are so many other factors involved and I can't say which one will tip my decision."

Jones has nine days remaining before he must decide his future with the Blazers and it appears he will use all nine days to make up his mind.

"I'll wait to the 11th hour; suspense will build," Jones said, laughing. "At the end of the day, I'm confident everything is going to work out.

(blog.oregonlive.com)