The Phoenix Suns have three stars in Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, but the rest of the team isn't anywhere near what it takes to compete for a championship, which became abundantly clear last year when the Suns were soundly defeated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the opening round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Phoenix has already made several moves this summer to bolster its roster, but the team is reportedly not done adding any impact players. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Saturday that top NBA free agent Tyus Jones has decided to sign with Phoenix.
“Tyus Jones, the top free agent guard on the market, has agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Phoenix Suns. [LIFT Sports Management] “ESPN was notified,” Wojnarowski wrote.
Tyus Jones, the top free agent guard on the market, agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Phoenix Suns. translator He told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/lhhJkKowQz
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 27, 2024
A report Saturday from Arizona Sports 98.7 FM's John Gambadro revealed that Phoenix had a “real opportunity” to sign Jones, and now that opportunity has arrived.
“I'm hearing there's a real chance they could acquire Tyus Jones, which would be a huge win for the Suns,” Gambadoro wrote. “If Jones is willing to sign for less than he's getting with a few other teams, that could happen soon. The Suns' culture, playing time and chances to win might convince him.”
I'm hearing there's a real possibility they could acquire Tyus Jones. That would be a huge win for the Suns. It could happen soon if Jones is willing to sign for less than he could get elsewhere. Maybe the Suns' culture, playing time and chances to win will convince him. https://t.co/0WtPqA6Qe2
— John Gambadro (@Gambo987) July 27, 2024
Jones is ranked by many as the top player among the remaining free agents in the NBA and is a player who could really help Phoenix in their troubles off the bench. One of the best backup guards in the NBA during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies, Jones played behind Ja Morant and was a staple for Grizzlies teams that were consistently in the Western Conference playoffs.
Jones appeared in 66 games (all starts) for the Washington Wizards last season, averaging career-highs of 12.0 points and 7.3 assists.
This article has been updated following ESPN's report that Phoenix has signed Jones.
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