On Jan. 23, The Next’s Jackie Powell reported that it was Jonquel Jones’ preference to return to the New York Liberty. On Jan. 31, Powell followed up, confirming the deal completed.
Last offseason, the Jonquel Jones trade that sent the former MVP to New York kickstarted one of the most exciting free agency periods in WNBA history. On the court, it was an interesting year for the 30-year old forward, as it took Jones a little while to acclimate, a slow start due in part to both new surroundings and working back into game condition as she recovered from a lingering foot injury. Off the court, Jones enjoyed all NYC had to offer, cresting the Empire State Building to celebrate Bahamian independence and taking in Broadway shows and movie premieres.
Jones looked more comfortable with each passing month, culminating in a dominant playoff run that made JJ a double-double machine and the Liberty a force inside the paint. While her 11.4 points per game (PPG) were her lowest since her rookie campaign in 2016, and her 8.6 rebounds per game (RPG) the fewest she’d pulled down since 2018, Jones averaged a double-double following the All-Star break. In the postseason, she put up stellar numbers, scoring 16.8 PPG on 55.5 percent shooting, while snatching 11.6 RPG and swatting 2.4 blocks a night.
Jones’ new contract is for two years, fully protected.
