It has been more than six years since Tyus Jones suited up for the Minnesota Timberwolves. During his time with his hometown team, the No. 24 selection in the 2015 draft did not live up to the expectations set for him when Minnesota traded for him on draft night. It wasn’t until he left the Timberwolves and joined the Grizzlies that he found his fit and established himself as one of the best backup point guards in the league, a title he no longer holds.
Jones signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Magic in free agency last July, a move intended to boost their backcourt by adding a facilitator and three-point shooter. Instead, Jones has struggled considerably, averaging 1.7 points and 1.8 assists per game, shooting 28.3% from the field and 19.2% from three in 13.3 minutes per game in 18 contests.
Since he signed in the offseason, Jones will be trade-eligible on December 15, and there is a real possibility that Orlando will acquire him before the February 5 deadline.
Former Timberwolves guard Tyus Jones has been negative about the Magic
Jones played a season-high 25 minutes against Boston on Sunday and finished with a season-high six assists, but he shot 1 of 6 (16.7%) from the field for three points. Orlando lost, 138–129.
The Magic thought they were bringing in an established veteran point guard who would help stabilize the offense. It’s not unusual for a new team to get off to a bad start, but Jones looks out of place in Orlando. The Magic had assembled a roster that they expected to contend with in the weak Eastern Conference, which did not appear to be as weak as people thought.
After a 1-4 start, they are 10-8, ninth in the conference. They have been without star Paolo Banchero for the last six games due to a groin injury and should return soon. While this would provide a boost, Orlando could be proactive before the deadline and find ways to improve margins. It would be good for the team to find another backup point guard, as it doesn’t look like things are going to get better for Jones, but that could change.
The deadline is still more than two months away, but with the unofficial start of the trade season on December 15, expect Jones’ name to be in the rumor mill as the Magic look for an upgrade.
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