Trade Idea: Is Wizards' Tyus Jones a Good Fit For 76ers?
With less than three weeks to go until the deadline, the Philadelphia 76ers still have a decent amount of time to make a move. As some of the big names come off the board, a new name has been connected to the team in rumors.
While breaking down rumors for all 30 NBA teams, Matt Moore of The Action Network cited Tyus Jones as a target for Philly. However, he also reported that the team is not willing to part with first-round equity to get a deal like this done.
"The Sixers are interested in backup point guard help," Moore wrote. "They have interest in the Wizards' Tyus Jones but are only willing to commit second-rounders for a starter in Washington looking for starter money this summer. The Sixers have a whopping $103 million in expiring contracts."
Since entering the league in 2015, Tyus Jones has proven to be one of the top backup guards in the league. Now with the Washington Wizards, he is averaging 12.5 PPG and 5.8 APG while shooting over 41% from three. Jones will be a free agent at the end of the season, where he is sure to have a sizable market.
As the deadline approaches, adding another guard could benefit the Sixers. At the moment, the only point guard help behind Tyrese Maxey is Patrick Beverley. While he's done well in his first season with the team, he is more of a defensive specialist. Bringing in a true floor general like Jones would take some responsibility off his plate and allow Beverley to maximize what he does best on the floor.
Another thing that makes Jones an ideal fit is that he could run with the starting lineup as well. He can operate in the pick-and-roll with Joel Embiid and be a table-setter for others. When the ball isn't in his hands, he can be a reliable kick-out option as a career 36% three-point shooter.
The only concern of a Jones trade is that the Sixers would be bringing in another small guard. With Maxey and Beverley considered undersized, Philly could benefit from some length in the backcourt. That said, their abundance of depth and length at the wing could help mask this.
Overall, Jones is a player who could be an upgrade for the Sixers. He's been a backup for most of his career, and it's a role he thrives in. Most importantly, Jones would be an upgrade now while also maintaining financial flexibility heading into the offseason. Depending on the Wizards' asking price, it's an avenue worth pursuing for Daryl Morey and the Sixers.
