2. Tyus Jones
Tyus Jones was an important player in the Memphis Grizzlies’ rotation last season. While the Grizzlies have the superstar in Ja Morant, what made the team so successful was the deep rotation that the front office created. There is not a wasted spot in that rotation and the sky is the limit for them moving forward.
With so much talent on the team, though, Jones could be looking to find a new home elsewhere to get a bigger role. The Grizzlies can certainly afford to let Jones walk and perhaps pursue a better alternative to be Ja Morant’s backup as well.
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Jones played 21.2 minutes off the bench per game last season while averaging 8.7 points, 4.4 assists and 2.4 rebounds. He posted the best three-point shooting percentage of his career at 39% and played above-average defense. He is by no means a lockdown defender, especially considering his height, but he can hold his own.
On paper, Jones would be a great addition to the Los Angeles Lakers. He could be a solid point guard option behind Russell Westbrook that can also share the court with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He doesn’t need the ball to be successful but he can help run the offense in spurts.
That dream will never come off the paper, though, for reasons similar to Hartenstein. While he is not a big-name free agent, Jones still is going to get more than the minimum this offseason. Heck, the Grizzlies gave him the MLE three years ago and he has only gotten better since.
Verdict: Pass (Too expensive)