Golden State Warriors Consider Sending Jewish-American Ajay Jones to Play in Israel Before NBA Roster Spot

Ajay Jones, a Jewish-American guard/forward, was selected 54th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors and participated in the NBA Summer League, averaging 7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. Despite showing promise, Jones has not yet received a guaranteed contract from the Warriors, leaving his immediate future uncertain.

Reports from the United States suggest the Warriors might ask Jones to play the 2026-2027 season in Israel, leveraging his Israeli passport so he would not count as a foreign player there. This arrangement would allow the Warriors to retain his rights and potentially bring him to their NBA roster for the 2027-2028 season. Alternatively, Jones could remain in the U.S. and return for a fifth NCAA college season, which could offer higher earnings.

Jones’s path to the NBA has been unconventional. He began at Tarleton State as a bench player, then moved to a community college before excelling at St. Bonaventure, where he averaged 10.8 points and 5.8 rebounds. Last season at Florida State, a larger program, he demonstrated athleticism but struggled with three-point shooting, posting 12.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1 block per game.

The Warriors still hold his draft rights, and no final decision has been made regarding his contract or team placement. The possibility remains that Jones could sign with Golden State or play elsewhere depending on developments.