1 Huge reason why Wizards have to re-sign Tyus Jones in free agency

Heading into NBA Free Agency, the Washington Wizards don’t have a ton of tough decisions to make. Most of their core players are under contract, so they shouldn’t be too stressed.

That said, one of the Wizards’ top guys will be an unrestricted free agent this summer—Tyus Jones.

The 28-year-old point guard joined the Wizards last offseason in the three-team trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Boston Celtics and Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Jones enjoyed a solid season in Washington this past year. He appeared in 66 games and averaged 12.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists while shooting 48.9% from the field and 41.4% from beyond the three-point line.

There are plenty of playoff-caliber teams who will want Jones in free agency this summer, and the Wizards likely aren’t going to sniff the postseason. However, they should still bring him back, and there is one giant reason why.

Wizards need to re-sign Tyus Jones in free agency so he can help them develop their young core

Re-signing Jones in free agency will help the Wizards successfully develop the young core that they began piecing together in the 2024 NBA Draft. 

Washington added French big man Alex Sarr, Pittsburgh guard Bub Carrington, and Miami wing Kyshawn George in the draft this year. And while Carrington needs reps running the offense, the Wizards should also want a veteran presence to get them organized.

Jones is one of the best playmakers in the league, and, perhaps more importantly, he rarely turns the ball over. That’s the exact type of player Washington should want leading their young core.

The veteran guard would be able to set up Sarr for easy shots at the rim, take the pressure off of Carrington as the lead ball-handler, and find George for simple catch-and-shoot threes.

Jordan Poole will inevitably get plenty of run, too, but Jones is the far better playmaker. He’s just much more composed with the ball in his hands and is a better overall decision-maker as well.

It may be too pricey for the Wizards’ taste, but if the Wizards want to get the most out of their newly-founded young core moving forward, having Jones around would be a huge help.