Real Madrid is close to securing Damian Jones for the 2026/27 season. According to reports, the American center would sign a one-year deal and become one of the key interior additions to Pedro Martínez's new project.
Jones, born in Baton Rouge, has completed his stint with the Vaqueros de Bayamón in Puerto Rico and is pending the final details before beginning his first experience in European basketball. It would also mark his EuroLeague debut.
The big man arrives with an extensive NBA resume. He has played 294 games for the Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, Utah Jazz, and Cleveland Cavaliers, and was part of the Warriors' championship teams on two occasions.
For Madrid, his arrival would address a clear need: adding size, physicality, and presence near the rim. It would not be a long-term contract signing, but rather a short-term bet for one season to reinforce the paint with a player who has NBA experience and international pedigree following his stints in China and Puerto Rico.
The move, however, would not complete the Madrid roster. The club also has advanced negotiations for Olivier Sarr, with a 1+1 season formula, while continuing to work on signing a shooting guard. There have been contacts with Lester Quiñones for that position, though Madrid is keeping other avenues open in the NBA free agent market.
Another pending matter is the future of Gabriele Procida. The Italian has a contract through 2028, but the club must decide whether to keep him on the roster or loan him out to a team where he can get more playing time and consistency.
Madrid is accelerating in the paint with Damian Jones, but still has important decisions to make before closing out the roster.