National Basketball Association

Report: Heat's Jones to enter free agency

Published Jun. 29, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

A person familiar with the situation says Miami Heat guard-forward James Jones has advised the team he won't exercise his player option and will become a free agent.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the Heat had not confirmed Jones' decision.

Jones is an eight-year veteran who spent the past three seasons with the Heat. He averaged 5.9 points in 81 games last season and shot 43-percent from 3-point range for the Eastern Conference champions.

Under his contract, Jones would have been paid $1.4 million next season.