National Basketball Association

Cavs bring back LeBron's 'favorite player of all time'

Published Nov. 15, 2016 3:13 p.m. ET

Andre Vergara

"Champ" is back with the champs — and his longtime teammate and buddy, LeBron James.

The Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday re-signed veteran swingman James Jones, who's played with LeBron for the past six seasons, reaching six NBA Finals and winning three championships, including two in Miami.

LeBron called Jones "my favorite player of all time" last season, and pretty much guaranteed him a roster spot.

"I told J.J., as long as I'm playing, he's going to be around," James told ESPN. "He's not allowed to stop playing basketball. So, I'm going to make sure I got a roster spot for him. I love him. He's the greatest teammate I've ever had."

The deal reportedly is one year for $1.55 million.

Jones, who turns 36 in November, didn't play much last season, averaging 3.7 points in 9.6 minutes, but LeBron and the Cavs value his leadership, and he's a career 39.8 percent 3-point shooter. He's also played in 140 career playoff games.

Jones' "leadership and professionalism over the last two years have translated with our team in many different ways that have helped us reach our goals," GM David Griffin said in a statement.

Jones isn't just a favorite of LeBron. Kevin Love also called him "the best teammate I've ever had" after the Cavs won the championship.