Free agent Tyus Jones, the top guard remaining on the market, has signed a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Phoenix Suns, according to his agent, Kevin Bradbury of Lift Sports Management, who spoke with ESPN on Saturday.
This move is significant for the Suns, who struggled last season due to the lack of a true point guard. Jones, who averaged 12.0 points and 7.3 assists with the Washington Wizards during the 2023-24 season, will have the opportunity to contribute to a Western Conference contender and possibly re-enter the free agent market next summer with greater financial flexibility.
Given their salary cap constraints, the Suns could only offer Jones the veteran’s minimum.
Jones explained to ESPN, “Joining the Phoenix Suns was the best decision for me and my family on many fronts—from the way governor Mat Ishbia and the front office pursued me, to Coach Mike Budenholzer showing how I could make a significant impact as the starting point guard on a team with a genuine chance at an NBA title.”
He added, “My agent [Bradbury] reviewed various free agent offers and sign-and-trade proposals at different financial levels, but the opportunity with the Suns allows me to maximize my value before returning to free agency next year, and to be part of what I believe will be a special team and season.”
The Suns actively sold Jones on his potential role with a roster aiming for a deep playoff run in the Western Conference, alongside stars Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal.
Jones, 28, spent the previous four seasons with playoff teams, the Memphis Grizzlies, before joining the Wizards. He began his NBA career with the Minnesota Timberwolves from 2015 to 2019. In 2022, he averaged 9.2 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals across 12 playoff games with the Grizzlies.
Jones had an impressive 7.35 assist-to-turnover ratio last season, the highest recorded since the NBA began tracking individual turnovers in 1977-78, according to ESPN Stats & Information. He also holds the top three single-season ratios: 7.04 in 2021-22 and 6.96 in 2018-19.
