In early May, team president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman made it plain that he intended to strengthen Orlando’s offense by adding great playmaking and proven shotmaking after the Magic’s season ended in the first round of the NBA playoffs for the second straight year.
First, in a blockbuster trade with the Grizzlies, the Magic acquired guard Desmond Bane to start the summer. They then chose forward Noah Pendain in the first round of the draft and guard Jase Richardson in the second.
Additionally, the team quickly agreed to terms with veteran guard Tyus Jones when free agency opened up last week, and he formally signed with Orlando on Sunday.
Weltman stated at the AdventHealth Training Center on Monday that Tyus has made a name for himself. In addition, he is known throughout the league for being an exceptional guy in the community, off the court, and in the locker room. We’re thrilled to have him because, in addition to everything he will provide on the floor, his leadership will benefit our squad.
Jones, a 29-year-old guard who is starting his 11th season as a professional after emerging as one of the league’s most productive players, is being added by the Magic.
Jones averaged 10.2 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 26.8 minutes per game and shot 41.4% from outside the arc in 81 Suns games last season, 58 of which he started.
In the NBA, he tied for 32nd in assists, placed second in assists-to-turnover ratio, and ranked 22nd in 3-point field goal %.
Jones gave an explanation of his motivation for wanting to sign with coach Jamahl Mosley’s team in free agency.
“Everything is going well,” he remarked. Every single day they continue to improve. Playing against them year after year allows you to observe the team’s unity and camaraderie as well as how coach Mosley manages them and how hard they work for him. I’m thrilled to be here because you want to be a part of those kinds of events.
Jones might have signed elsewhere as a free agent, but the Magic were interested in him. Weltman said other teams that needed a seasoned guard like Jones were vying for his services.
“I’m simply thrilled that Tyus picked us,” the Magic executive stated. Numerous teams were pursuing him. He seems to have recognized his place and knows how he will contribute to the development we are doing here, both on and off the court.
Regarding the fit, Jones, who will wear No. 2 for Orlando, concurs. In an effort to make things simpler for his new colleagues, he believes he can offer shooting, space, and playmaking.
For six straight seasons from 2018 to 24, Jones set a league record in the NBA’s assists-to-turnover ratio. He leads the NBA in 116 games since being selected in 2015 with five or more assists and zero turnovers (Chris Paul is second with 80).
According to Jones, I play the game the proper way—trying to be selfless and set the tone for the kind of basketball they already play, which is incredibly selfless and collaborative. Thus, that ought to be a perfect fit.
The Magic are hard-capped at the first apron spending threshold, a financial restriction established at $195,945,000 as part of the league’s relatively recent collective bargaining agreement, after sign Jones to a one-year, $7 million contract, most likely utilizing a portion of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
Orlando, which has 14 players on standard contracts, is only below that number. However, until the team makes a trade to free up salary space, it cannot sign a free agent to even a veteran minimum contract, therefore it seems likely that its final standard contract place will remain unfilled this summer.
According to Jones, the Magic can achieve their objectives on the court without any further help.
“The talent is incredible,” Jones stated. To be honest, this club has all the necessary components to win a title. They’re not attempting to make my job too difficult; instead, they’re making it simple for me.
I’m eager to watch everything come together since I know that everything will work itself out.
You can contact Jason Beede at [email protected].
