Tyus Jones has found a new home in the NBA, agreeing to a one-year, $3.3 million deal with the Phoenix Suns. The 28-year-old point guard will bring his talents to a Suns roster that boasts stars like Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal.
Jones, who averaged 12.0 points and 7.3 assists last season with the Washington Wizards, described his move to the Suns as a strategic decision that offers numerous benefits for both his career and family. "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," said Jones.
Career Journey
Jones began his NBA career with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he spent his first four seasons from 2015 to 2019. Following his tenure with the Timberwolves, Jones joined the Memphis Grizzlies, spending four impactful seasons before moving to the Washington Wizards for the 2023-24 campaign.
His time with the Grizzlies included notable performances in the 2022 playoffs, where he averaged 9.2 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals over 12 games. Such playoff experience could prove invaluable for a Suns team with championship aspirations.
Financial Considerations
The Suns extended a veteran's minimum salary offer to Jones, which he accepted after careful consideration of various free agent offers and sign-and-trade proposals. "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 explained.
Fit with the Suns
The addition of Jones provides Phoenix with a reliable and experienced point guard, which could be the piece they need to bolster their backcourt. The Suns have been on the cusp of greatness in recent seasons, and Jones' playmaking abilities, combined with his playoff experience, align well with the team's ambition to secure an NBA title.
Coach Mike Budenholzer, a reputed strategist known for harnessing the full potential of his rosters, appears to be a key factor in Jones' decision to join the team. Jones emphasized the impact of Budenholzer's vision for his role, enhancing the sense that the Suns are building a formidable unit capable of contending at the highest level.
As the Suns gear up for the upcoming season, the acquisition of Tyus Jones could fortify their mission to capture an NBA championship. With a roster already rich in talent, the integration of a seasoned point guard like Jones might just be the final piece in the puzzle for Phoenix.