Heat Rumors: Derrick Jones Jr. Expected to Interest Cavs, Hornets, Hawks in FA

The Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets are expected to be among the teams to express interest in Derrick Jones Jr. during free agency.

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported others, in addition to those three clubs, will also pursue the high-flying forward.

Jones averaged a career-high 8.5 points to go with 3.9 rebounds per game in 2019-20 but was largely jettisoned from the rotation during the postseason. He recorded just nine minutes played in the Heat's NBA Finals loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

While Jones still needs developmental time to turn into a plus NBA player, his physical gifts are generational. The right coach could harness his leaping and side-to-side athleticism to turn him into a strong perimeter defender and unleash his marvelous open-court finishing ability. 

There is more to Jones' game than highlight dunks, but it only shows up occasionally. Signing with a young, rebuilding team might give him the type of role he needs to become a more well-rounded player.

It'd be a surprise to see him back in Miami next season.