Tyus Jones Had No Interest in Sitting on Timberwolves Bench

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Aug 1, 2024
Tyus Jones
Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

When the Minnesota Timberwolves turned their focus to the offseason it required looking at the point guard position. Despite Mike Conley continuing to look impressive, a running mate was needed. That could have been Minnesota native Tyus Jones, but it didn’t come to pass.

Minnesota Timberwolves roster didn’t suit Tyus Jones

Tyus Jones was initially drafted with the 24th overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He never played there though, being immediately acquired in a trade by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Apple Valley native spent his first four NBA seasons playing at the Target Center. After five years away, a reunion may have been possible this offseason. Local insider Darren “Doogie” Wolfson said it came down to minutes for Jones this time around.

“They were never really in on Tyus Jones. A lot of people hit me up saying, ‘I can’t believe Tyus is going to Phoenix for the veteran minimum.’ If you had told me on July 2nd Tyus Jones would sign for the veteran minimum, I would have said hey you’re crazy. I would have said the same thing about Gary Trent Jr. It’s the life of aprons and all that stuff, but he wasn’t coming here to be a backup. The Wolves are not demoting Mike Conley Jr. The Wolves knew that, so there were never any sort of talks between Tyus Jones and the Wolves…He will start for the Phoenix Suns. Betting on himself that he can now cash out this time next year.“

Darren Wolfson on Tyus Jones free agency

Last season Jones played in 66 games for the Washington Wizards and he started all of them. Jones averaged 12 points per game, which was a career-high. His 7.3 assists per game were also a career high. He didn’t receive sixth man of the year consideration after elevating to the starting five, but the tradeoff was definitely worthwhile.

Related: Timberwolves Tried Trading 4 Draft Picks for Tyus Jones but Wizards Said No

Minnesota Timberwolves added guard talent through draft

The Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t land Tyus Jones and they didn’t retain veteran guard Monte Morris (who also went to the Suns). Tim Connelly did make a move to grab Rob Dillingham during the first round of the NBA Draft however. The former Kentucky guard is expected to play significant minutes behind Mike Conley Jr. How quickly Dillingham can develop at the next level remains to be seen, but he could be a massive boost for Chris Finch’s squad.

In his one season at Kentucky, Dillingham averaged 15.2 points per game across 32 contests for the Wildcats. He dished out nearly four assists per game, and had more than a steal per contest as well. At just 19 years old, Dillingham has plenty of growth to show at the next level, and he will be alongside some elite company on the Timberwolves.

Last season the Timberwolves knocked the Phoenix Suns out of the Western Conference playoffs. If that is going to take place this year, then they will send Tyus Jones packing as well.

Related: Rob Dillingham Makes Strong Impression Despite Shooting Struggles in Summer League

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