Tyus Jones
Tyus Jones (born May 10, 1996) is an American professional basketball player who serves as a point guard for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association (NBA).[1][2] Standing at 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m) and weighing 195 pounds (88 kg), he is recognized for his efficient playmaking, low turnover rate, and defensive contributions as a reliable backup guard.[3][2] Born in Burnsville, Minnesota, Jones developed his skills at Apple Valley High School, where he became one of the top high school recruits in the country, ranking No. 7 in the 2014 class.[4] He committed to Duke University and played one standout freshman season for the Blue Devils in 2014–15, averaging 13.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.7 steals per game while leading the team to the NCAA Division I championship.[4] In the tournament's Final Four, Jones earned Most Outstanding Player honors after scoring 22 points in the championship game against Wisconsin, securing Duke's fifth national title.[5][6] Jones declared for the 2015 NBA draft following his college success and was selected 24th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers before his rights were traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves on draft night.[7] He spent his first four seasons (2015–2019) with the Timberwolves, emerging as a key reserve, then signed a three-year contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019, where he solidified his role over four seasons (2019–2023) as a starter at times, averaging career highs of 12.0 points and 4.7 assists in 2022–23.[2] In July 2023, he joined the Washington Wizards on a two-year deal, appearing in 66 games during the 2023–24 season before moving to the Phoenix Suns for the 2024–25 campaign, where he averaged 10.2 points and 5.3 assists in 81 games.[3][8] Jones signed with the Orlando Magic as a free agent in 2025. As of the end of the 2024–25 season, he had appeared in 682 regular-season games across his career (218 starts), posting averages of 7.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.[8][9] Among his notable accolades, Jones was named MVP of the 2016 NBA Summer League and has led the league in assist-to-turnover ratio five times, including an NBA-record 7.3:1 in 2023–24, underscoring his ball-handling precision.[10][11][12]Early basketball career
High school career
Tyus Jones began his high school basketball career at Apple Valley High School in Apple Valley, Minnesota, earning a spot on the varsity team as an eighth grader during the 2009–10 season.[13] Over his freshman and sophomore years (2009–12), he developed into a premier point guard, averaging double figures in scoring while leading the Eagles to competitive records in the Lake Conference, including a section final appearance in his sophomore season.[14] His play during this period earned him the Minnesota Associated Press Boys Basketball Player of the Year award as a sophomore, marking him as one of the state's top young talents.[15] Entering his junior season in 2012–13, Jones elevated his game, guiding Apple Valley to a 31–1 record and the MSHSL Class 4A state championship—the program's first title since 2007.[8][16] He was recognized as the Gatorade Minnesota Boys Basketball Player of the Year for his leadership and performance, contributing to a team that dominated rivals like Eastview and Park Center en route to the title.[8] Jones also earned first-team All-State honors that year.[8] In his senior season of 2013–14, Jones averaged 25.6 points and 8.1 assists per game, powering the Eagles to a 27–2 record and a No. 13 national ranking by MaxPreps.[16] The team advanced to the Class 4A Section 3 championship game but fell 89–77 to Cretin-Derham Hall, with Jones scoring a game-high 35 points in the loss.[16] Over his five-year varsity career, he started all 147 games, accumulating 2,909 points and 1,031 assists.[16] Jones' high school excellence was honored with multiple prestigious awards, including three consecutive Gatorade Minnesota Player of the Year selections (2012–14), three-time Pioneer Press Boys Basketball Player of the Year (2012–14), and the 2014 Mr. Minnesota Basketball award.[8][16][17] He capped his prep career as a McDonald's All-American, Jordan Brand All-American, Parade All-American, and first-team All-American by both MaxPreps and USA Today.[8]Youth international career
Jones represented the United States as a member of the USA Basketball Men's U16 National Team at the 2011 FIBA Americas Under-16 Championship in Cancún, Mexico.[18] The team went undefeated with a 5-0 record, culminating in a 104-64 victory over Argentina in the gold medal game to secure the championship. Jones contributed as the team's primary playmaker, averaging 4.6 points and a tournament-high 5.6 assists per game while totaling 28 assists over the five contests.[18] In the gold medal final, he recorded multiple assists to support the dominant offensive performance led by teammates like Aaron Gordon.[19] The following year, Jones advanced to the USA Basketball Men's U17 National Team for the 2012 FIBA Under-17 World Championship in Kaunas, Lithuania.[20] The Americans again claimed gold, defeating Australia 95–62 in the championship game after navigating a challenging bracket that included wins over Australia, Croatia, and Canada. Jones averaged 8.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game across eight contests, ranking third in the tournament for assists while helping orchestrate an offense that averaged over 100 points per game.[20] A standout performance came in the quarterfinals against Canada, where he scored a game-high 22 points (in a 113–59 win) to propel the team forward. These youth international successes highlighted Jones' emerging role as a floor general on the global stage, building on his high school achievements at Apple Valley High School.[8]Recruiting and college career
Recruiting process
Tyus Jones, a standout point guard from Apple Valley High School in Minnesota, drew significant interest from top college basketball programs during his senior year, including Duke, Kentucky, and North Carolina. Early in the recruiting process, in September 2012, Jones considered official visits to North Carolina, Duke, and Kentucky, reflecting the high demand for his skills as a floor general. Although he later eliminated North Carolina from his list in early 2013, narrowing his finalists to seven schools—Baylor, Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan State, Minnesota, and Ohio State—he maintained close interactions with coaches from Duke and Kentucky. Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski had targeted Jones as his top point guard recruit since 2011, fostering a strong relationship through multiple in-home visits and discussions about playing alongside fellow recruit Jahlil Okafor. Jones ultimately scheduled official visits to Baylor in late August 2013, Kansas in mid-October 2013, and Duke in late October 2013, where he and Okafor evaluated the programs together, though a planned trip to Kentucky was canceled.[21][22][23] His elite status was affirmed by major recruiting services, which ranked him as the No. 1 point guard and No. 4 overall prospect in the 2014 class according to ESPN's rankings. Other outlets, including Scout.com (No. 4) and Rivals.com (No. 5), placed him among the top five national recruits, while the Recruiting Services Consensus Index rated him No. 5 overall, highlighting his vision, decision-making, and leadership on the court. These rankings were bolstered by his high school achievements, such as leading Apple Valley to state titles, and his youth international success with USA Basketball teams.[24][25][5][26] Jones further elevated his profile through standout performances in prestigious all-star events during spring 2014. At the McDonald's All-American Game in April, he recorded a game-high 10 assists while contributing key scores, including a late three-pointer and baseline jumper, in a narrow East team loss, and he won the event's skills competition. In the Jordan Brand Classic later that month, Jones posted 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 12 assists for the East squad, showcasing his playmaking and rebounding ability for a guard. He capped the showcase season at the Nike Hoop Summit, where he tallied 6 assists and 5 steals to help the USA Junior National Team secure an 84-73 victory over the World Select Team. These displays solidified his reputation as a top recruit.[27][28][29][30][31][32] The recruiting process culminated in a tightly coordinated timeline, with Jones announcing his decision on November 15, 2013, at Apple Valley High School, broadcast on ESPNU. After months of evaluations, including joint visits with Okafor and consultations with his inner circle, Jones finalized his choice just before the early signing period, marking the end of an intense pursuit by blue-blood programs.[23][33][34]Duke University season
As a highly touted recruit, Tyus Jones earned a starting role as a freshman point guard for the Duke Blue Devils during the 2014–15 season, where he quickly became a key facilitator for the team.[5] In 39 games, all starts, Jones averaged 11.8 points, 5.6 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game, while shooting 41.7% from the field, 37.9% from three-point range, and 88.9% from the free-throw line.[4] His playmaking ability was evident in his Duke freshman-record 2.86:1 assist-to-turnover ratio, helping to orchestrate an efficient offense that led the ACC in scoring at 79.3 points per game.[5] Jones played a pivotal role in Duke's dominant 35–4 overall record, including a 15–3 mark in ACC regular-season play that secured the conference championship.[35] The Blue Devils also captured the ACC Tournament title, defeating Notre Dame 79–72 in the championship game, with Jones contributing 14 points and seven assists in the final.[35] Under head coach Mike Krzyzewski, Duke's balanced attack, bolstered by Jones' defensive pressure and transition scoring, established them as a top national contender early in the season. In the 2015 NCAA Tournament, Duke, seeded No. 1 in the South Region, advanced through the bracket with decisive victories: an 85–56 win over No. 16 Robert Morris in the first round, 68–49 over No. 8 San Diego State in the second, 63–57 against No. 5 Utah in the Sweet Sixteen, and 66–52 versus No. 2 Gonzaga in the Elite Eight.[35] Jones elevated his performance in the postseason, averaging 13.0 points and 4.5 assists over six games. In the Final Four semifinal, Duke routed No. 7 Michigan State 81–61, with Jones adding 10 points and five assists. The championship game against No. 1 Wisconsin ended in a 68–63 victory for Duke, their fifth national title, where Jones scored a game-high 23 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including a crucial late three-pointer that helped seal the win.[6] Jones' tournament excellence earned him the NCAA South Regional Most Outstanding Player award and the Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors.[5] On the ACC level, he was selected to the All-ACC Third Team, as well as the All-ACC Freshman Team.[36]Professional career
2015 NBA draft
Tyus Jones was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 24th overall pick in the first round of the 2015 NBA draft on June 25, 2015. On draft night, the Cavaliers traded his draft rights to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for the 31st and 36th overall picks in the 2015 draft (Cedi Osman and Rakeem Christmas, respectively) and a protected 2019 second-round pick.[37][38] Leading into the draft, Jones participated in the NBA draft combine in May 2015, where he measured 6 feet 0.25 inches barefoot with a 6-foot-5-inch wingspan and recorded a 32.5-inch max vertical leap and 11.84 seconds in the lane agility drill. Scouting reports praised his elite basketball IQ, playmaking ability, and decision-making as a floor general, though his size and lack of elite athleticism were noted as potential limitations at the NBA level. His leadership in guiding Duke to the 2015 NCAA championship, where he was named Most Outstanding Player, elevated his draft stock as a cerebral point guard prospect.[39][40][41] Following the draft, Jones signed a four-year rookie-scale contract with the Timberwolves on July 5, 2015, worth $6,537,195, with an average annual salary of $1,634,299 and $2,621,760 guaranteed in the first year. He was immediately assigned to the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, where coaches highlighted his maturity and quick adaptation to professional rules and pick-and-roll execution as key areas for development. Preseason expectations centered on Jones building chemistry with teammates like Karl-Anthony Towns while honing his role as a backup point guard through competitive play.[42][43]Minnesota Timberwolves (2015–2019)
Jones was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 24th overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves on draft night in exchange for two second-round picks (Nos. 31 and 36) and a future second-round pick.[37] In his rookie season of 2015–16, Jones appeared in 37 games for the Timberwolves, primarily coming off the bench as a backup to starting point guard Ricky Rubio, averaging 4.2 points, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 rebounds in 15.5 minutes per game.[44] To gain more experience, he was assigned to the Timberwolves' NBA G League affiliate, the Iowa Energy, where he played 20 games and averaged 11.3 points, 7.4 assists, and 3.7 rebounds in 29.1 minutes per game.[45] During the 2016–17 season, Jones continued in a reserve role, appearing in 60 games without a start and posting averages of 3.5 points and 2.6 assists in 12.9 minutes per game, while showing improvement in his three-point shooting at 35.6 percent.[46] His playing time increased in 2017–18, when he played all 82 games with 11 starts, averaging 5.1 points, 2.8 assists, and 1.6 rebounds in 17.9 minutes per game, and earning praise for his defensive contributions with 1.2 steals per game.[47] The 2018–19 season marked a breakout for Jones following the January 31 trade of Rubio to the Utah Jazz for Derrick Rose, Jae Crowder, and a protected first-round pick, which elevated Jones to the starting lineup for the final 24 games. Overall, he appeared in 68 games with 23 starts, averaging 5.0 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 rebounds in 22.9 minutes per game, while setting an NBA single-season record for assist-to-turnover ratio at 6.96 among players appearing in at least 200 minutes.[48] Jones played a key role in the Timberwolves' push to the playoffs as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, though they were eliminated in the first round by the Houston Rockets in six games, where he averaged 3.8 points and 1.7 assists in limited minutes across four appearances.[2] As a restricted free agent in the 2019 offseason, Jones signed a three-year, $28 million offer sheet with the Memphis Grizzlies on July 7, which the Timberwolves declined to match on July 11, allowing him to join Memphis.[49]Memphis Grizzlies (2019–2023)
Jones joined the Memphis Grizzlies in July 2019, signing a three-year offer sheet worth $28 million as a restricted free agent after the Minnesota Timberwolves declined to match it.[50] In his partial first season of 2019–20, Jones provided immediate impact off the bench, averaging 7.4 points and 4.4 assists per game across 65 appearances while contributing to the team's rebuilding efforts under new head coach Taylor Jenkins.[2] Over the following seasons from 2019–20 to 2021–22, Jones transitioned into a reliable starter, particularly during Ja Morant's occasional absences, where he showcased his playmaking skills and helped elevate the Grizzlies' backcourt dynamic. His role expanded in 2021–22, appearing in 73 games with 23 starts and averaging 8.7 points and 4.4 assists per game, particularly stepping up during Ja Morant's absences, aiding Memphis in securing a playoff berth as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference with a franchise-record 56 wins.[2][51] In the 2022–23 season, Jones served primarily as a sixth man behind Morant, appearing in 80 games (2 starts) and averaging 10.3 points and 5.2 assists per game while maintaining a league-leading assist-to-turnover ratio of 5.0.[2] On June 22, 2023, Jones was traded to the Washington Wizards in a three-team deal involving the Boston Celtics. After four seasons in Memphis, where he appeared in 288 games and averaged 8.3 points and 4.5 assists overall, Jones joined Washington for a fresh starting opportunity.[42][52]Washington Wizards (2023–2024)
On June 22, 2023, the Washington Wizards acquired Tyus Jones from the Memphis Grizzlies in a three-team trade also involving the Boston Celtics, which sent Kristaps Porziņģis to Boston in exchange for Jones, Danilo Gallinari, Mike Muscala, and a 2023 second-round draft pick.[53] Entering the final year of a two-year, $29 million contract originally signed with Memphis, Jones stepped into the role of starting point guard for a rebuilding Wizards squad.[42] In his lone season with Washington, Jones appeared in 66 games, starting all of them, and averaged 12.0 points, 7.3 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 29.3 minutes per game.[2] He shot efficiently at 48.9% from the field, including 41.4% on three-pointers, while maintaining an NBA-leading assist-to-turnover ratio of 7.3, underscoring his value as a low-mistake distributor.[54] Despite these contributions, the Wizards endured a franchise-worst 15–67 record, missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year.[55] Jones' playmaking helped sustain the offense amid team struggles, as evidenced by his career-high 17 assists (to go with 14 points) in a February 27, 2024, loss to the Golden State Warriors. Following the season, Jones entered unrestricted free agency and departed Washington, signing a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Phoenix Suns on July 27, 2024, to join a more competitive roster.[56]Phoenix Suns (2024–2025)
On July 27, 2024, Tyus Jones signed a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Phoenix Suns as a free agent, following a breakout 2023–24 season with the Washington Wizards in which he started 66 of 66 games and averaged 12.0 points and 7.3 assists per game.[56][2] During the 2024–25 season, Jones emerged as the Suns' primary point guard, appearing in all 81 regular-season games and starting 58 of them while averaging 10.2 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 26.8 minutes per game.[2] Signed to alleviate ball-handling duties from shooting guards Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, Jones provided efficient playmaking with a league-leading assist-to-turnover ratio for the second straight year, though the Suns' offense ranked in the lower half of the NBA.[57][58] The Suns finished the season with a 36–46 record, placing 11th in the Western Conference and missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year under head coach Mike Budenholzer.[58] Jones started strongly but lost his starting role midway through the campaign amid the team's struggles, transitioning to a key reserve contributor.[59] Jones' contract expired at the end of the season, making him an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025.[3]Orlando Magic (2025–present)
On July 6, 2025, the Orlando Magic signed veteran point guard Tyus Jones to a one-year, $7 million contract, establishing him as the primary backup to starting guard Jalen Suggs.[60] This move addressed the team's need for reliable ball-handling and low-turnover playmaking from the second unit, leveraging Jones' reputation as one of the league's most efficient passers with a career assist-to-turnover ratio among the best in the NBA.[61] As of November 19, 2025, in the early 2025–26 season, Jones is averaging 1.5 points, 1.4 assists, and 0.8 rebounds per game in approximately 12 minutes of playing time across 14 games.[62] His role emphasizes steady facilitation and defensive contributions, helping to integrate with Orlando's young core including Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner by providing on-court stability and mentorship during practices and games.[63] Jones' high basketball IQ has been particularly valuable in executing the Magic's defensive schemes, where his positioning and communication aid in maintaining the team's top-tier perimeter defense.[64] In ongoing season highlights, Jones has demonstrated efficient bench production against Eastern Conference opponents, such as tallying six points on 3-of-4 field goal shooting, two rebounds, and one assist in 15 minutes during a 125-94 win over the Washington Wizards on October 25, 2025.[65] His low-error play has helped mitigate Orlando's turnover issues, allowing the young roster to focus on growth while competing in a competitive conference.[66]Career statistics and achievements
NBA statistics
Tyus Jones has appeared in 696 regular season games over 11 NBA seasons from 2015–16 to 2025–26 (as of November 19, 2025), averaging 7.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 1.9 rebounds per game while playing 20.9 minutes per game.[2] His shooting efficiency has improved over time, with career marks of 44.3% from the field, 37.2% from three-point range, and 82.4% from the free-throw line.[2] The following table summarizes his regular season per-game statistics by season:| Season | Team | G | GS | MP | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | MIN | 37 | 0 | 15.5 | .359 | .302 | .718 | 1.3 | 2.9 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 4.2 |
| 2016–17 | MIN | 60 | 0 | 12.9 | .414 | .356 | .767 | 1.1 | 2.6 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 3.5 |
| 2017–18 | MIN | 82 | 11 | 17.9 | .457 | .349 | .877 | 1.6 | 2.8 | 1.2 | 0.1 | 5.1 |
| 2018–19 | MIN | 68 | 23 | 22.9 | .415 | .317 | .841 | 2.0 | 4.8 | 1.2 | 0.1 | 6.9 |
| 2019–20 | MEM | 65 | 6 | 19.0 | .459 | .379 | .741 | 1.6 | 4.4 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 7.4 |
| 2020–21 | MEM | 70 | 9 | 17.5 | .431 | .321 | .911 | 2.0 | 3.7 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 6.3 |
| 2021–22 | MEM | 73 | 23 | 21.2 | .451 | .390 | .818 | 2.4 | 4.4 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 8.7 |
| 2022–23 | MEM | 80 | 22 | 24.3 | .438 | .371 | .800 | 2.5 | 5.2 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 10.3 |
| 2023–24 | WAS | 66 | 66 | 29.3 | .489 | .414 | .800 | 2.7 | 7.3 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 12.0 |
| 2024–25 | PHO | 81 | 58 | 26.8 | .448 | .414 | .895 | 2.4 | 5.3 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 10.2 |
| 2025–26 | ORL | 14 | 1 | 12.7 | .257 | .105 | 0.9 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 1.4 | |
| Career | 696 | 199 | 20.9 | .443 | .372 | .824 | 1.9 | 4.3 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 7.5 |
| Season | G | GS | MP | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | 4 | 0 | 13.8 | .286 | .000 | 2.3 | 2.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 1.0 | |
| Career (MIN) | 4 | 0 | 13.8 | .286 | .000 | 2.3 | 2.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 1.0 |
| Season | G | GS | MP | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 5 | 0 | 9.4 | .353 | .250 | 1.000 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 3.0 |
| 2021-22 | 12 | 3 | 21.8 | .394 | .400 | .933 | 3.3 | 4.5 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 9.2 |
| 2022-23 | 6 | 1 | 20.0 | .306 | .158 | .667 | 3.0 | 3.7 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 4.5 |
| Career (MEM) | 23 | 4 | 18.4 | .350 | .308 | .917 | 2.7 | 3.6 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 6.3 |