Damian Jones Current Contract and Salary
Damian Jones is an NBA center currently under contract with the Phoenix Suns on a one-year veteran minimum deal. His current salary for the 2024-25 season is the full veteran minimum of approximately $3.3 million, which counts fully against the Suns' salary cap. The contract is fully guaranteed and structured as a standard annual deal with no performance incentives or player options. This one-year arrangement gives Phoenix a low-risk interior presence ahead of the 2025 free agency period. Jones remains a key part of the Suns' frontcourt rotation behind Jusuf Nurkić and Bol Bol. The deal reflects his role as a spacing big with limited offensive responsibilities but reliable rim protection. For the latest salary figures, visit the Spotrac NBA salary page.
Under the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, veteran minimum contracts are calculated based on a player's years of service. Jones qualifies for the higher veteran minimum tier because he has more than 10 years of NBA experience. The contract includes standard protections such as guaranteed salary and standard injury provisions. There are no trade kickers or special bonus clauses in the current deal. The Suns can choose to extend or re-sign him after the season expires. The contract does not include a player or team option for a second year. This structure keeps Phoenix's roster flexibility intact for future moves.
Damian Jones Career Earnings and Contract History
Damian Jones has earned over $50 million in NBA salary across his career, with the bulk of his income coming from multi-year deals with the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns. His largest contract was the four-year, $50 million agreement signed with the Warriors in 2019, which included a player option for the final season. That deal averaged roughly $12.5 million per year and made him one of the highest-paid centers on the Warriors' roster at the time. Jones has since taken smaller, shorter deals to remain competitive and increase his playing time. His career earnings reflect a steady trajectory from a draft pick to a veteran role player. The full breakdown of his salary history is available on the Basketball Reference Damian Jones page.
Jones was selected 30th overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Draft. He spent his first four seasons with the Warriors, winning two NBA championships in 2017 and 2018. After his initial rookie-scale contract expired, he signed a two-year, $6.3 million extension with Golden State in 2017. He later joined the Phoenix Suns in 2021 on a one-year deal, then returned to the Warriors before signing with the Suns again in 2023. Each contract has been structured around his role as a backup center and defensive specialist. His earnings have grown steadily despite a shift from starter to bench role in recent seasons. The ESPN Damian Jones profile provides a detailed career timeline and contract history.
Damian Jones Contract Impact and Team Context
The Damian Jones contract fits into the Suns' broader strategy of adding veteran depth at a low cost. His current salary places him well below the average NBA salary, allowing Phoenix to maintain flexibility under the hard cap and tax apron. Jones provides the Suns with a reliable backup center who can space the floor and defend the rim. His contract does not include a trade player exception, but it can be traded as part of a larger package. The low financial commitment reduces risk if his playing time declines or injuries arise. This type of short-term deal is common for veteran role