As the February 5 trade deadline approaches, the Minnesota Timberwolves are actively seeking to bolster their point guard depth while remaining budget-conscious. Reportedly, the Orlando Magic are willing to trade their veteran guard Tyus Jones for a low price, according to Jake Fischer’s recent report.
Despite the seemingly attractive prospect of acquiring Jones—who began his career with the Timberwolves—it’s essential to consider his current performance metrics. Jones is averaging only 3.2 points and 2.4 assists over 16.8 minutes per game, along with shooting splits of 35.3% from the field. Additionally, the Magic’s performance deteriorates significantly when he is on the court, as they are 9.6 points worse per 100 possessions.
Given these statistics, the likelihood of Jones fitting into the Timberwolves’ rotation seems improbable. Moreover, with Jones under a one-year $7 million contract, the Timberwolves would have to carefully negotiate salary matching, complicating the potential deal further.
While the Timberwolves are open to affordable avenues for improvement, it is crucial to target players who can genuinely contribute to the team’s performance. Alternatives such as Jose Alvarado and Kris Dunn present themselves as more viable options, offering the potential for meaningful minutes. Interestingly, Tyus’s brother, Tre, could also be a consideration, though he may carry a higher price tag.
It is surprising to see Jones’s rapid decline, considering he had a more productive season last year, averaging 10.2 points and 5.3 assists with the Phoenix Suns. However, the current season’s challenges cannot be ignored. Although some teams might take a chance on Jones for a low cost, it would be unwise for the Timberwolves to pursue this direction with better choices available.
As the trade deadline nears, the Timberwolves remain poised to enhance their roster wisely, steering clear of acquisitions that do not promise value or improvement. The focus will likely shift to players who not only fit the budget but can also effectively contribute to Minnesota’s success as they strive for a stronger season.