Damian Jones Joins Real Madrid: A Winning Addition to the Roster

Damian Jones is heading to one of European basketball’s true powerhouses.

Real Madrid announced the signing of the former NBA center on a one-year deal, adding another ring-winning big man to a frontcourt already built for trophies rather than transition seasons.

Jones, the 30th pick in the 2016 draft, arrives with something Real Madrid always values: a history of winning at the highest level. He collected two NBA titles in his first two seasons with the Golden State Warriors, learning the trade in a locker room built on standards and pressure, not patience.

His NBA journey stretched across eight seasons and several stops, most recently with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2023/24 campaign. He never became a headline star in the league, but he carved out a role as a mobile, rim-running 5 who can finish above the rim and protect it at the other end.

The last two years have taken him far from the NBA spotlight but not away from success. Jones spent most of that time in China with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls, adjusting to a different pace, different roles, and the expectation to be a focal point rather than a complementary piece. He then added another medal to his suitcase in Puerto Rico, helping Vaqueros de Bayamon capture a title.

Now comes a different kind of challenge.

Real Madrid do not sign big men to experiment. They sign them to win EuroLeague games in May and June, in arenas where every possession feels like a referendum on the season. Jones brings size, experience, and a résumé dotted with championships across three continents.

The question now is simple and sharp: can a two-time NBA champion and recent title-winner in China and Puerto Rico bring that same edge to a Real Madrid team that measures success only in silverware?