12:58pm: The Suns aren’t the only team to inquire on Jones, though they’ve been the most active in trying to acquire him, tweets Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN, noting that the Pelicans have liked him in the past.
According to Wolfson, the Timberwolves have told teams they aren’t interested in moving Jones right now. They also haven’t engaged in extension talks yet with the fourth-year point guard.
8:22am: The Suns, who remain on the lookout for possible point guard targets, have asked about Timberwolves guard Tyus Jones, sources tell ESPN’s Zach Lowe. It’s not clear how recently that inquiry happened, or if the two teams engaged in any discussions.
Jones appeared in all 82 games for the Timberwolves last season, averaging 5.1 PPG and 2.8 APG as Jeff Teague‘s backup at the point. However, the club acquired Derrick Rose late in the year and re-signed him in the offseason, raising some questions about Jones’ role. According to a June report, Teague suggested last season that the 22-year-old – who averaged 17.9 MPG – should play more.
That same report indicated that Jones considered requesting a trade, but that head coach Tom Thibodeau “reasserted his support” for the youngster, assuring him his role will increase in 2018/19 despite Rose’s return, due to the departure of Jamal Crawford. Still, Jones is entering a contract year and will be eligible for restricted free agency in 2019, so if Minnesota isn’t certain of his long-term role, it could make sense to gauge his trade value.
As for the Suns, they’ve traded Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight within the last year, leaving them without a clear-cut starting point guard. Patrick Beverley, Cory Joseph, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Terry Rozier are among the other potential Phoenix trade targets named by various reports.
For now, the Suns’ depth chart at the point features Shaquille Harrison, De’Anthony Melton, Elie Okobo, and Isaiah Canaan. Canaan is on a non-guaranteed contract while Melton – acquired in a deal with the Rockets – remains unsigned.
Please don’t. Trade them Teague not Jones.
I will stop following this franchise. Trying to be the bulls but ending up the Knicks
Trade Teague, keep Tyus. Do not let this happen.
Yes, trade Teaque to Suns for backup Center and 2nd rd pick ..
We have a back up center. But honestly, I would trade him just for cap relief. But I would like to get tj Warren in return.
I will stop watching this franchise. Trying to be the bulls but acting like the Knicks
Nah guys. Tibs has it right. Trade away or ignore your youth in favor of declining vets that were never the successful (or have been injured). This is the method every championship caliber team has followed since the beginning.
Good one!
I bet Jones would continue his efficiency if given starter’s minutes due to strong legs. Excellent target for the Suns. Thibs at a crossroads.
Glen Taylor just needs to bite the bullet and fire Thibs. Bring in David Griffin as GM and Becky Hammon as the coach.
Wow, that would be both shocking and at the same time excellent!
I do think Rozier would be their best option, he needs to keep playing & growing, not benched like in Boston, he is young & hungry. Would be good for Phoenix & Rozier. But they shouldn’t give any good young assets for him, they need them all. Maybe TJ & some fillers, or vets like Ariza or Chandler.
Boston doesn’t need anyone of the “fillers”… And they won’t just give up Rozier they r a better ran franchise then that. He’s also not “benched” on the Celtics. Watch b-ball man. He played a lot of minutes even with Kyrie healthy. Stevens is the best coach not named Pop in the league.
Man I’m a T-Wolves fan and we’ve loved him since his rookie season. Dude doesn’t play enough. Fire Thibs.