After their disappointing 2023-24 season, the Phoenix Suns are already beginning to look like a different team this offseason. Earlier in the year, the team fired head coach Frank Vogel in favor of five-time champion coach Mike Budenholzer. Additionally, the team brought in former NBA players Brent Barry and James Posey to join Budenholzer’s staff. As for the roster, the Suns brought in veterans like Monte Morris and Mason Plumlee. However, it seems the Suns could still add to the roster. According to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports, the Suns have interest in free agent guard Tyus Jones.
I hear there is a real chance at landing Tyus Jones & that would be a HUGE win for the Suns. Could happen very quickly if Jones would be willing to take less money than what he could get with a couple of other teams. Suns culture, playing time and chance to win may convince him. https://t.co/0WtPqA6Qe2
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 27, 2024
Jones spent last season with the Washington Wizards. On the year, the Duke alum averaged 12 points, 7.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Additionally, he shot 48.9% from the field and 41.4% from the three-point line. The 28-year-old also previously spent time with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies.
Phoenix Suns to Pursue Former First-Round Point Guard
Multiple Teams Reportedly Considered Adding Tyus Jones
Over the course of the offseason, it has become clear that the Suns are not the only team interested in Jones. So far, teams like the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Miami Heat have all been linked to Jones. However, it seems like none of these teams are options for Jones anymore.
The Knicks signed guard Cameron Payne to a minimum contract, likely taking them out of the Jones sweepstakes. Furthermore, the Clippers acquired Kris Dunn this offseason, which according to The Athletic’s Law Murray, officially takes Jones off the table. However, Murray noted that the Clippers “were never in on” Jones despite reports.
“For those who believed things that made no sense, let me also confirm that the Clippers were never in on Tyus Jones and this transaction finally closing for Kris Dunn ends all of that talk,” said Murray.
As for the Heat, it seems nearly impossible the team will be able to afford Jones. ESPN’s Bobby Marks mentioned that Duncan Robinson‘s contract is proving to be an obstacle for Miami this offseason in terms of adding new players to the roster. According to Marks, Robinson’s contract became a big reason the team failed to acquire DeMar DeRozan and will likely miss out on Jones.
The Miami Heat tried to acquire DeMar DeRozan, but no team wanted Duncan Robinson’s contract, per @BobbyMarks42
Miami also missed out on Tyus Jones.
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24 )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 11, 2024
The Last Word on Tyus Jones
Jones is a solid point guard who could play well for Phoenix. One of the Suns’ biggest problems last year was their lack of a true point guard to lead their offense. If the team signs Jones, he could provide enough of a boost to the team to bring them back to title contention.
