Dillon Jones signs with Philadelphia after Knicks tenure

NBA Dillon Jones signs with Philadelphia after Knicks tenure

By Ben Gale

September 9, 2026 • 9:02 AM EDT

Updated 5 hours ago

Dillon Jones signs with Philadelphia after Knicks tenure

Dillon Jones has found a new home, at least for now. The back-to-back NBA champion signed an Exhibit 10 contract with Philadelphia, putting him on their training camp roster with hopes of sticking in the league. It’s a move that’s as much about opportunity as it is about his unpredictable NBA journey so far.

If you’re wondering why this matters, let’s rewind. Jones’ NBA career has already been a whirlwind, despite his young age. Drafted 25th overall in 2024, he was initially a Knick, but that didn’t last long. His rights were shipped to Oklahoma City that night, setting off a zigzag path few rookies experience. In OKC, Jones didn’t see major minutes but landed a championship ring as part of the 2024-25 Thunder — a rare feat for any rookie.

Most young players would expect at least a bit of job security after contributing to a title run. But OKC runs a tight ship, always churning the roster to make space for the next draft class. Jones became a casualty of the numbers game, salary dumped to Washington and eventually bought out. By the middle of last season, he was with the Knicks on a two-way deal, where he barely saw the floor — just 39 minutes across seven games — but his presence reportedly made a difference in the locker room, especially during their championship chase.

According to Yahoo Sports, Jones isn’t coming into Philadelphia guaranteed anything. He’ll fight for one open roster spot and a possible two-way slot among 20 camp invitees. Nobody’s calling him a lock, and the competition — including names like Tacko Fall and Jameer Nelson Jr. — is nothing to shrug off.

But here’s what stands out. Even with limited minutes, coaches leaned on Jones for advice. His experience as a two-time champ gave him credibility in team meetings. During the Knicks’ playoff run, it was revealed that Jones was someone head coach Mike Brown counted on for honest perspective. Sometimes, it’s not your stat line but what you bring to the bench and the film room that gets you another look.

Jones has won titles with both the Thunder and Knicks, despite playing a combined 39 minutes in his last run.
He was a late-season addition to New York’s roster but had a locker room impact during their championship run.
Philadelphia signed him to an Exhibit 10 contract to compete for a spot in training camp.
There’s only one open roster spot and one two-way contract available for the Sixers.
His path has included stops with Oklahoma City, Washington, New York, and now Philadelphia — all within two years.
If he sticks on the roster, he’ll get his ring on October 20 alongside Ariel Hukporti and the champions.

Philadelphia’s training camp gets another champion

What makes this worth watching is the potential upside for Philly. You’ve got a player who is accustomed to high-pressure environments, even if he’s mostly been in street clothes for NBA Finals games. The Exhibit 10 contract is a low-risk play: if Jones crushes training camp, the Sixers can lock him into a standard or two-way deal. If not, he could end up with their G League affiliate or back in the free agent pool.

Why Jones’s journey is unusual

Jones hasn’t been able to lock down steady playing time, but he’s found ways to be valuable. In a league where roster spots are precious and contracts rarely guaranteed for fringe contributors, his resilience sets him apart. Teams value a winning mindset, and Jones has proven twice over that he knows how to handle big-stage pressure, even if it’s from the sidelines.

Who needs to notice Jones’s signing?

If you’re betting on futures or looking for deep-cut NBA roster moves that might turn into preseason value, this is one to keep on your radar. Philadelphia is not short on training camp bodies, but they are still shaping the end of their roster. The fact that Jones was the guy a head coach leaned on for advice about overcoming adversity carries weight, regardless of his playing time.

Key takeaways for bettors

Dillon Jones signed an Exhibit 10 contract with Philadelphia, giving him a training camp shot but not a guaranteed deal.
He brings back-to-back championship experience from stints with OKC and New York.
Jones is battling for one open roster spot and one two-way slot among 20 Sixers hopefuls.
Keep an eye out for preseason rotation updates — Jones’s past locker room presence could boost his chances if Philly values chemistry.
If Jones sticks, expect him to receive his championship ring during Philly’s Ring Night in October.
Future Sixers roster bets could factor in Jones’s ability to make the team — and contribute behind the scenes if not on the court.
Jones’s path shows how quickly NBA careers can turn, even for recent champions.

More coverage: latest NBA news, NBA betting hub and today’s NBA picks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dillon Jones is a 24-year-old NBA player who’s already won back-to-back championships with the Thunder and Knicks, despite limited playing time. He’s now aiming to secure a spot with Philadelphia on an Exhibit 10 camp contract.

An Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year, minimum salary NBA deal that allows teams to bring players to training camp. If the player is waived, they can earn a bonus for joining the team’s G League affiliate.

After brief stints with the Thunder, Washington, and Knicks, where he won two rings, Jones signed a camp deal with Philadelphia. He’s competing for a roster or two-way spot in Sixers training camp.

No, Jones has played limited minutes, including just 39 with the Knicks last season. His impact has been as much in the locker room and in supporting roles as it has on the court.

Jones offers championship experience, resilience through roster instability, and a reputation for contributing to team chemistry. He adds depth to Philadelphia’s camp but must earn his place.

If he secures a roster spot, Jones will receive his championship ring with the Knicks during Ring Night in October and could contribute to the Sixers, even if in a supporting role.

Camp deals are always a long shot, but Jones’s history might appeal to teams valuing chemistry over stat lines. Still, with only one open roster spot, the odds are tough.