Tyus Jones is still looking for a home next season. The market on the best remaining free agent point guard seems quiet.
That is because Jones is a tweener. Tyus is set on being a starter in the NBA, in which he is good enough to be one. However, the teams that are contending are contending because they have a point guard and the teams that aren’t contending want to lose, thus may not want Jones.
The last time Tyus Jones was not atop the assist-to-turnover leaderboard was in 2018, in which he finished third. His ability to take care of the ball and facilitate for his team is valuable, but it is often all he brings to the table.
Jones has only averaged double digits scoring twice in his career, his final year in Memphis and last season as a starter in Washington. He was great for the Wizards, averaging 12 points and 7 assists on 41% shooting from deep.
So where might Jones land?
The only teams left with cap space to sign him outright, already have a starting point guard. It is likely that Washington will have to coordinate a sign-and-trade with any team that might be interested in him.
What is the priority for Jones? His destination comes down to whether he wants to start, get paid or be a part of a contender. He is not likely to get more than one of those desires granted.
The Denver Nuggets could use his services after trading Reggie Jackson to Charlotte. Were the Cavaliers choose to move either Darius Garland or Jarrett Allen, the Wizards could hop in as a facilitator in a multiple team trade. Perhaps Jones could head to Chicago as a part of the DeMar DeRozan deal with Sacramento. Atlanta wants off Trae Young, a solid landing spot for Jones if that trade ever comes to fruition.
Ultimately, Jones is likely going to be linked to the movement of a player with a bigger name. Unfair or not, Tyus Jones is a NBA tweener, stuck in free agency purgatory.
