The Los Angeles Lakers have missed out on another key free agent as point guard Tyus Jones signed with the Phoenix Suns. This development adds to a quiet offseason for the Lakers, who were hoping to bolster their roster.
Jones has agreed to a one-year contract worth $3.3 million with the Suns, as reported by ESPN. He was considered one of the top remaining free agents on the market and his decision to join Phoenix reflects the team’s appeal and potential for success.
Jones expressed that the opportunity to play for the Suns was compelling for both him and his family. He highlighted the recruitment efforts from the team’s management and the vision presented by head coach Mike Budenholzer on how he could contribute significantly as the starting point guard.
“The chance to play for the Phoenix Suns made the most sense on a lot of levels to me and my family — beginning with the way [governor] Mat Ishbia and the front office recruited me to how coach [Mike Budenholzer] showed me how I can significantly impact a team that has a real opportunity to challenge for an NBA title as their starting point guard,” Jones told ESPN on Saturday.
Over the past two seasons, Jones has established himself as a reliable point guard in the league. While he may not have received All-Star accolades, his performance has been impressive, particularly his assist-to-turnover ratio, which was the highest recorded since the stat began being tracked in 1977. Additionally, he shot 41% from beyond the arc last season, showcasing his scoring ability.
At 28 years old, Jones will join a Suns team that features superstars Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, positioning them as strong contenders in the Western Conference. The Lakers will now need to reassess their strategy as they look to strengthen their lineup for the upcoming season.
