The best way to describe the Los Angeles Clippers offseason is mixed. The Clippers lost a few key free agents, though they signed James Harden, one of their top free agents, and got younger with the signings of Derrick Jones Jr., Mo Bamba, and Kevin Porter Jr.
Apparently, the Clippers aren’t done making moves. They have reportedly been looking to offload Russell Westbrook, who opted into his $4.0 million player option before the start of free agency, with Denver being linked as the destination. However, no traction has yet to really be made.
Los Angeles Clippers Among Several Teams Pursuing Wizards Point Guard
Earlier today, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that the Clippers were among several teams interested in free-agent point guard Tyus Jones in a sign-and-trade.
Jones, one of the best free agents still on the market, is the pre-eminent backup point guard in the league. The 28-year-old put up career numbers in his lone season with the Washington Wizards, compiling 12.0 points, 7.3 assists, and 1.1 steals in 66 games. He also made a career-high 1.6 triples a game while posting career-best shooting splits of 48.9/41.4/80.0%.
While Jones’ shooting has improved dramatically over the years, his best attribute is his ability to manage a team and get others involved. He also doesn’t turn the ball over. The 6-1 lead guard, who posted nine double-doubles and one triple-double, scored 20 points or more eight times and had 12 games of double-digit assists, including at least 15 dimes.
How Does Jones Fit With The Clippers?
If the Clippers do acquire Jones, he figures to be Harden’s primary backup. But the Clippers also have other point guards on the roster, including Westbrook, Porter Jr., and Kris Dunn, who the Clippers have yet to officially complete the sign-and-trade with Utah.
“For starters, he [Jones] doesn’t command the ball too much,” Jedd Pagaduan of Clutch Points said. “He is not ball-dominant and usage-heavy, and he has a low ego to match. He is an unselfish, pass-first point guard who doesn’t rely on hogging the ball to set his teammates up for success.
“Jones is also a heady presence in the locker room, and he functions almost like a second coach whenever he’s out there on the court,” Pagaduan added. “The Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies loved him, and the Wizards franchise also raved about him, which is a testament to his character and his impact.” For a Clippers team in flux, adding a stabilizing presence like Jones and another playmaker to set a team full of play-finishers up for success is enticing.”
Harden could also play off the ball, which could be the Clippers’ reasoning for acquiring Jones. Although the Clippers still have incumbent starter Terrence Mann, Norman Powell, and Amir Coffey. 2024 second-round pick Cam Christie will likely spend most of the season in the G-League. Porter can also play shooting guard.
Mann, Powell, and Coffey can play the three, which may be needed as Derrick Jones Jr. is the only true small forward on the roster.
Why Do The Clippers Want To Do A Sign-and-Trade
Los Angeles has 15 players on standard contracts, all guaranteed, assuming Dunn’s is, and are about $6 million below the first apron. This is why the Clippers are looking at a sign-and-trade.
Scotto suggested a few ways that the Clippers could acquire Jones.
The Clippers can dangle some combination of the expiring contracts of PJ Tucker and Russell Westbrook and could offer draft pick compensation or Bones Hyland to the Washington Wizards for helping to facilitate a potential sign-and-trade trade.
Washington is a long way from contending. While the Wizards would likely take the draft capital, the Clippers only have two second-round picks to send out in 2026 and 2030.
Washington has 16 players on standard contracts, with Jared Butler and Eugene Omoruyi on nonguaranteed deals. Because those two players are on nonguaranteed deals, the Wizards have room to absorb any move as they are over $9 million under the tax. However, $1 million of Omoruyi’s contract becomes guaranteed on Opening Night.
Who Else Are Interested In Jones?
The Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat have been mentioned as potential suitors for Jones.
Phoenix just re-signed Josh Okogie, who now has 15 players on standard contacts and is over the NBA’s second apron. The Lakers also have a full 15-man roster and are near the second apron. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves have an open roster spot, although they are also way over the second apron. The Wolves traded for Rob Dillingham and signed PJ Dozier and Joe Ingles as free agents. They also have Daishen Nix on a two-way deal.
Orlando has an open roster spot and could use another point guard. Jalen Suggs will likely start at the one for the Magic, but the 23-year-old has yet to be a full-time lead guard. The Magic do have Cole Anthony and Anthony Black on the roster. The Magic are way below the tax line, so they could get creative with Jones and don’t need a sign-and-trade.
Philadelphia has 11 players on standard contracts and is already at the first apron. The 76ers recently signed Kyle Lowry and drafted Jared McCain in the first round. Don’t expect the 76ers to go after Jones, as they have other areas of need.
Miami has an open roster spot and is just below the second apron. The Heat do have Terry Rozier, Tyler Herro, and Jimmy Butler as ball-handlers, with Rozier and Herro being point guards. Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Alec Burks can also handle the ball, while Zyon Pullin and Dru Smith are on two-way deals. So, the Heat could use Jones; he is not a must-have at this point.
