Tyus Jones is still looking for a home for next season. The market for the best remaining free agent point guard appears quiet.
That’s because Jones is a mid-major player. Tyus is determined to be a starter in the NBA, where he’s good enough to be one. However, teams that compete do so because they have a point guard, and teams that don’t compete want to lose, so they might not want Jones.
The last time Tyus Jones didn’t top the assist-turnover charts was in 2018, when he finished third. His ability to take care of the ball and make things easier for his team is valuable, but it’s often all he brings to the table.
Jones has averaged double figures in scoring just twice in his career, his final year in Memphis and last season as a starter in Washington. He was excellent for the Wizards, averaging 12 points and seven assists while shooting 41 percent from 3-point range.
And where could Jones land?
The only remaining teams with cap space to sign him outright already have a starting point guard. Washington will likely have to coordinate a sign-and-trade deal with any team that might be interested in him.
What’s Jones’ priority? His fate depends on whether he wants to be a starter, get paid or be part of a contending team. More than one of those wishes isn’t likely to be granted.
The Denver Nuggets could use his services after trading Reggie Jackson to Charlotte. If the Cavaliers decide to trade Darius Garland or Jarrett Allen, the Wizards could step in as facilitators in a multi-team trade. Perhaps Jones could head to Chicago as part of DeMar DeRozan’s deal with Sacramento. Atlanta wants to move on from Trae Young, a solid destination for Jones if that trade goes through.
Ultimately, Jones is likely to be linked to a move for a bigger-name player. Unfair or not, Tyus Jones is a mid-major NBA player, stuck in free agency purgatory.
