Warriors 2x Champion Center Joins New Team in Surprise Career Move.

Damian Jones, a former first-round pick and two-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, is set to play in Europe next season with Real Madrid. After winning titles with the Warriors, Jones spent time with several NBA teams and most recently contributed to a championship run in the Puerto Rico basketball league. He was drafted by Golden State with the 30th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft and now joins Real Madrid for the 2026-27 EuroLeague campaign.

Real Madrid confirmed the signing, stating that Jones will be with the club through the end of the 2026-2027 season. He arrives after a stint with Bayamón, where he helped secure a league championship in Puerto Rico. Real Madrid has been strengthening its roster this summer, and Jones is anticipated to operate as the starting center for the upcoming season on a one-year contract.

Jones passed the team’s medical examination in Madrid before officially signing, according to the club’s communications. He joins a group of former NBA players on Real Madrid’s roster, including Facundo Campazzo, Max Shulga, Theo Maledon, and others who have spent time in the United States in recent years.

NBA Journey and Professional Background

Jones was selected 30th overall by the Warriors in 2016 after a three-year stint at Vanderbilt. In his first two seasons with Golden State, he appeared in 25 games, averaging 1.8 points on 50% shooting. The 2018-19 season saw him appear in 24 games, starting 22, with averages of 5.4 points and 3.1 rebounds on 71.6% shooting. He later spent the 2019-20 season with the Atlanta Hawks as a backup center and continued his career with stints with the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, and Utah Jazz.

Jones’ final NBA season came in 2023-24 with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he played 39 games and posted averages of 2.7 points and 1.6 rebounds on 59.6% shooting. Although a two-time NBA champion, Jones did not establish a long-term fitting role in the league. His move to Real Madrid marks a new chapter in his professional career, now competing for one of Europe’s most storied clubs, fresh off a championship run in Puerto Rico.

Looking Ahead

Joining Real Madrid places Jones in a prominent position within a deeply talented European squad. The club’s roster, now including a veteran with NBA championship pedigree, aims to compete at the highest level in the EuroLeague. As Real Madrid continues to build its frontcourt, Jones’ size, experience, and efficiency could be significant assets for the team in the 2026-27 season.