Lajae Jones Signs With Italian Team

The 22-year-old swingman will be a draft-and-stash for Golden State after being selected with the 54th pick in June. The Warriors will retain his NBA rights as he begins his professional career overseas.

After playing his first three collegiate seasons at Tarleton State, Barton Community College in Kansas and St. Bonaventure, Jones emerged as an NBA prospect with a strong senior campaign at Florida State. He averaged 12.7 points and 5.7 rebounds with the Seminoles while posting .427/.325/.763 shooting numbers and was named to the All-ACC Tournament Second Team.

“Lajae possesses a combination of pure basketball talent, physical strength, power and explosiveness, as well as positional versatility that is rarely found in a single player,” Trieste general manager Michael Arcieri said in the team’s official announcement. “He is the prototype of what has become known as ‘positionless basketball’: a player who impacts the game every single second — on both ends of the floor, under both baskets, in transition and attacking the rim through traffic.”

The 6’7″ Jones is viewed as a strong 3-and-D prospect at the professional level with the ability to guard multiple positions. He led FSU with 33 blocks and tied a school record by sinking 10 three-pointers last November in a win over Georgia Southern.

Jones’ decision to play overseas comes amid the Warriors’ expected signing of Graham Ike to a two-way contract, which likely shut down Jones’ best chance to earn a roster spot. LJ Cryer and Malevy Leons hold the team’s other two-way slots.

Trieste is part of Lega Basket Serie A, which is the highest level of basketball in Italy. Its roster includes former NBA forward Juan Toscano-Anderson.

“His selection in June’s NBA Draft is proof of his hard work, dedication and immense basketball potential,” Arcieri added. “His decision to proudly wear the Trieste jersey and continue his basketball dream and development with us is proof of the great trust he has in our team, our staff, our fans and the potential of a truly special 2026-27 season. Our collaboration throughout the season with the Golden State Warriors’ staff regarding Lajae’s development represents an incredibly exciting opportunity for our staff and organization.”