Tyus Jones had trade options with Wizards on table but chose Suns instead

Now-former Washington Wizards point guard Tyus Jones signed with the Phoenix Suns on Saturday, ending a long free-agency tenure that saw him quickly become one of the best players left on the board.

Jones spent just one year in Washington after being traded to the Wizards in the deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Boston Celtics and Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Prior to his time with the Wizards, Jones spent four years in Memphis, and before that, he played for the Minnesota Timberwolves for four seasons.

Tyus Jones considered sign-and-trades for Wizards before signing with Suns

Last season, Jones was a staple for the Wizards, starting in all 66 games he played in. Jones averaged 12.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists while shooting 48.9% from the floor and 41.4% from beyond the three-point arc.

Heading into the summer, it seemed as though it would have been a smart idea for the Wizards to simply re-sign Jones, keeping him around to help develop their young core.

But even though they didn’t end up retaining him, that was likely Jones’ choice, as it was revealed by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN that he even explored potential sign-and-trade opportunities before signing with the Suns.

Obviously, that would have been much better for the Wizards, as they would have been able to get something back in return for Jones instead of losing him for nothing, even if it was just going to be a second-round pick.

Instead, Jones will join a Suns team that will be looking to make up for their disappointing season last year, as they were eliminated in the first round, getting swept by the Timberwolves.

Now, he will join Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, giving the Suns an actual point guard to run the offense. It seems likely that he could step in as their starter from the jump, but he may have to compete with Monte Morris for the spot.

Jones leaving Washington is a tough blow for the team’s point guard position, but they will have more minutes to dole out to rookie Bub Carrington now, and he can Jordan Poole should be able to hold down the one spot.