Basketball player Mason Jones is set to embark on a new chapter in his career, with reports indicating he is finalizing a significant agreement to join the Perth Wildcats, a prominent team in Australia's National Basketball League (NBL). This move comes after the conclusion of his two-way contract with the Sacramento Kings, marking a transition from the demanding courts of the NBA and its development league to a leading international competition. The acquisition of Jones is expected to inject a substantial dose of offensive talent and playmaking prowess into the Wildcats' lineup, signaling their intent to further strengthen their competitive edge.
Jones, a 6'4\" shooting guard, began his professional journey in 2020 after going undrafted out of the University of Arkansas. His career trajectory has largely seen him navigate the challenging landscape between the NBA and the G League, the NBA's official minor league. Over the past four seasons, he has made 51 appearances in regular-season NBA games, playing for notable franchises such as the Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Sacramento Kings. During these stints, his NBA contributions were somewhat limited, with an average of 4.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in approximately nine minutes per game, demonstrating efficiency in shooting across various categories.
Beyond his time in North America, Jones also gained international experience with the Turkish club Darüşşafaka in 2023, though this was a brief engagement before his return to the G League. A pivotal moment in his recent career was signing a two-year two-way deal with the Sacramento Kings in February 2024. While his impact with the Kings' main roster wasn't consistently high, Jones truly distinguished himself with their G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings. His performance with Stockton was nothing short of spectacular, where he averaged an outstanding 23.6 points, 7.9 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game over 27 contests. His shooting percentages were equally impressive, including a remarkable 44.7% from beyond the arc.
His exceptional play in the G League did not go unnoticed, earning him a coveted spot on the All-NBAGL Second Team. The pinnacle of his G League success came when he led the Stockton Kings to the 2025 league championship, subsequently being named the Most Valuable Player of the G League Finals. The Perth Wildcats, who concluded their 2024/25 NBL season with a strong 18-11 record before being eliminated in the semifinals by Melbourne United, were actively searching to fill their final import player slot. They had reportedly considered a pool of NBA veterans, including Kobi Simmons and Yuri Collins, before ultimately settling on the former Razorback standout. This strategic signing underscores Perth's ambition to enhance their backcourt with a player who brings both scoring ability and significant playmaking skills to the team. For Jones, this represents a prime opportunity to assume a leading role on a competitive international stage, showcasing his talents and leadership in a new league.
