Knicks Lose Dillon Jones to 76ers After Quiet Title Role
Dillon Jones reportedly joins the 76ers on an Exhibit 10 deal after helping Mike Brown behind the scenes during the Knicks’ championship run.
Dillon Jones is getting a new opportunity with the Philadelphia 76ers, leaving behind a brief but meaningful stint with the New York Knicks. According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the forward has agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract that gives him a chance to compete for a place during training camp. Ian Begley’s report
His departure will have little immediate effect on Mike Brown’s rotation. Jones played just seven regular-season games for New York, totaling 39 minutes after joining the organization on a two-way contract in January.
Yet his contribution to the Knicks’ championship season extended beyond those limited appearances. Behind the scenes, Jones became a useful source of insight for Brown as New York pursued its first NBA title in 53 years.
Dillon Jones Brings Championship Experience to Philadelphia
The move gives Jones an opportunity to establish himself with an Atlantic Division rival. An Exhibit 10 agreement provides a route into training camp, although it does not guarantee a place on Philadelphia’s regular-season roster.
For Jones, the challenge will be turning that opportunity into a larger playing role. His time in New York offered little room for consistent minutes, but it highlighted another quality: an ability to contribute to a winning environment without being a featured player.
Before joining the Knicks, Jones had experienced Oklahoma City’s 2025 championship campaign. That perspective proved particularly valuable to Brown during New York’s own postseason journey.
Why Mike Brown Turned to Jones During the Playoffs
During an appearance on The Roommates Show, Brown explained that Jones helped him think through the messages he delivered to his players.
The Knicks coach wanted to understand how Oklahoma City handled difficult moments during its title run. He asked Jones about the approach taken by Thunder coach Mark Daigneault and general manager Sam Presti, including how they communicated when postseason pressure intensified.
Jones could offer firsthand observations from inside that environment. Brown’s praise made clear that he valued those insights, even though the forward was not part of New York’s primary rotation. Brown’s appearance on The Roommates Show
The Idea That Helped Prepare the Knicks for the Conference Finals
One suggestion from Jones became part of New York’s preparation for the Eastern Conference finals: revisit the disappointment of the previous year’s playoff exit.
The Knicks’ video staff assembled footage showing players’ reactions after their season-ending defeat to the Indiana Pacers in 2025. Brown presented it to the team as a reminder of what falling short had felt like.
The exercise connected the opportunity ahead with an experience the players already understood. Rather than relying entirely on a new motivational message, it drew on their own memories.
Brown specifically credited Jones with proposing the idea, revealing a contribution that would never appear in a box score.
A Small Roster Move With a Meaningful Backstory
New York can move forward without replacing significant minutes or production. Still, Jones’ departure illustrates how championship teams receive help from players throughout the roster.
His next task is to earn a foothold in Philadelphia. For Knicks fans, his brief stay offers a reminder that some of the people who help shape a title run do their most important work away from the court.
