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Risorgimento of Derrick Jones Jr. with Suns

He’s back!

Portland Trail Blazers v Phoenix Suns Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

In the latest example of what can happen when your affiliate shares the same name as the big club, the Suns, of Northern Arizona, have reacquired former Suns forward Derrick Jones Jr.

Jones was waived by the team in Phoenix last week in order to make room for guard Mike James. James became the first player in NBA history to turn a two-way deal into a standard contract.

In a corresponding roster move, Northern Arizona has waived forward Tidjan Keita. So five days after Jones was bumped for James, Keita is bumped for Jones. I’m sure he’s empathetic.

The waiver period is 48 hours. That came and went without anyone picking up the 20-year-old forward despite so many smart basketball people on Twitter saying he’d be claimed.

Then he became a free agent. Then he became a Sun. Again.

“Airplane Mode” has logged 30 games in a NAZ uniform, including 11 this season. For his career he averages 14.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks. He’s made the trip from Phoenix to Prescott Valley 11 times in total.

He’ll be available tonight when the Suns host the Santa Cruz Warriors. Tip is scheduled for 630p PT. You’ll want to get that on your calendar.

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