In a strategic move that could shape the upcoming NBA season, veteran point guard Tyus Jones has committed to a one-year, $3.3 million deal with the Phoenix Suns. The 28-year-old spent the previous season with the Washington Wizards, where he averaged 12.0 points and 7.3 assists per game.
Career Journey
Tyus Jones began his NBA career with the Minnesota Timberwolves, playing there from 2015 to 2019. Following his tenure in Minnesota, Jones moved to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he spent four seasons establishing himself as a reliable playmaker and defensive asset. His performance during the 2022 playoffs, in which he averaged 9.2 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals over 12 games, showcased his ability to contribute significantly in high-stakes situations.
The move to Phoenix marks a new chapter in Jones's career, as he joins a powerhouse lineup that already boasts the likes of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal. The Suns, eyeing a deep playoff run, have added Jones to bolster their guard rotation and distribute the offensive load more evenly.
The Decision to Join the Suns
For Jones, the decision to join the Suns was multi-faceted, involving both professional and personal considerations. "The chance to play for the Phoenix Suns made the most sense on a lot of levels to me and my family—beginning with the way [governor] Mat Ishbia and the front office recruited me to how coach [Mike Budenholzer] showed me how I can significantly impact a team that has a real opportunity to challenge for an NBA title as their starting point guard," Jones stated.
Jones's agent, Bradbury, also played a critical role in navigating the myriad of offers and proposals that came his way. "My agent [Bradbury] walked me and my family through multiple free agent offers and sign-and-trade proposals at a number of different financial levels, but the Suns' opportunity is where I can best maximize my value for a return to free agency next year as well as give myself a chance to be part of what I think will be a special team and season," Jones added.
Veteran's Minimum and the Path Forward
Interestingly, the Phoenix Suns secured Jones's talents for a veteran's minimum salary, underscoring the mutual interest and potential for a significant payoff both for the player and the franchise. The Suns have their sights set high this season, and the addition of Jones is poised to provide the depth and versatility needed to make those aspirations a reality.
Jones's ability to serve as a floor general and his defensive prowess will provide the Suns with a strategic advantage. Integrating a player of Jones's caliber into an already star-studded roster could prove to be the missing piece in their quest for an NBA championship. The Suns' front office and coaching staff are confident that Jones's leadership and playmaking abilities will be vital in navigating the rigors of the NBA season and postseason.
As the Suns prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on how well Jones meshes with the existing core of Booker, Durant, and Beal. If the chemistry clicks and the team remains healthy, Phoenix could very well find themselves in the thick of the championship conversation come next spring.