On Saturday, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Tyus Jones is leaving the Washington Wizards to sign a one-year, $3.3 million minimum contract with the Phoenix Suns. Jones has been the top free agent point guard prospect for several weeks since the signing and negotiation period began on June 30.
In Wojnarowski's article, Jones said the Suns and head coach Mike Budenholzer had been scouting him since free agency began and that making him the starting point guard would make the team a contender for the NBA championship. The Suns didn't have a true point guard last season, but former Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal played extensive time there.
Jones played one season with the Wizards, appearing in 66 games and averaging 12 points and 7.3 assists.
It's not surprising that Jones left the Wizards. But it is surprising that Jones accepted such a large pay cut to move to Phoenix. He's 28 years old and in the prime of his career. Last season, he made about $14 million with the Wizards in the second year of a two-year contract he originally signed with the Phoenix Suns.
Still, the reality of the free-agent market was that teams were hesitant to sign him, likely hoping for a deal that would be around last year's salary as a starting point guard. So Jones is accepting this short-term offer now with the hope of earning a bigger deal in the near future. With the NBA's new 11-year, $76 billion media contract taking effect in the 2025-26 season, this could be a very smart move.
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