Warriors second round pick Laja Jones signed a contract with “Palconestra Trieste”, relays Emiliano Carchia from Sportando.
The 22-year-old swingman will be drafted and retained by Golden State after being selected with the 54th overall pick in June. The Warriors will retain his NBA rights if he begins his professional career overseas.
After his first three collegiate seasons at Tarleton State, Barton Community College in Kansas and St. Bonaventure, Jones became an NBA prospect with a strong senior campaign at Florida State. He averaged 12.7 points and 5.7 rebounds with the Seminoles, shooting .427/.325/.763 and was named to the All-ACC Second Team.
“Ladjae possesses a combination of pure basketball talent, physical strength, power and explosiveness, as well as positional versatility that is rarely seen in a single player.” Trieste general manager Michael Archieri stated this in the team’s official announcement. “He is the prototype of what has come to be known as ‘positionless basketball’: a player who impacts the game every second — on both ends of the court, under both baskets, in transition and attacking the rim through movement.”
The 6’7″ Jones is viewed as a strong 3-D prospect at the pro level with the ability to guard multiple positions. He led FSU with 33 blocks and set a school record with 10 3-pointers last November in a win over Georgia Southern.
Jones’ decision to play overseas comes amid the Warriors pending signing with Graham Ike to a two-way contract that likely robbed Jones of his best chance to earn a roster spot. LJ Krier and Malevy Leon hold other two-way team slots.
Trieste is part of the Lega Basket Serie A, which is the highest level of basketball in Italy. His list includes a former NBA forward Juan Toscano-Anderson.
“His selection in June’s NBA draft is a testament to his hard work, dedication and tremendous basketball potential.” Archers added. “His decision to proudly wear a Trieste jersey and continue his basketball dream and development with us is a testament to the great confidence he has in our team, our staff, our fans and the potential for a truly special 2026-27 season. Our season-long collaboration with the Golden State Warriors staff regarding Lajae’s development represents an incredibly exciting opportunity for our staff and organization.”
