Free agent point guard Tyus Jones is set to join the Denver Nuggets, as confirmed by his agent, Kevin Bradbury, to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The NBA veteran was waived by the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday but was able to maintain his playoff eligibility due to the timing of his release before the deadline.
Jones’ contract with the Nuggets will extend through the remainder of the 2025/26 season, with financial details indicating he will earn a prorated veteran’s minimum salary. If the agreement is finalized on Monday, he will bring in $877,209, while the Nuggets will face a cap hit of $554,273.
Selected as the 24th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, the 29-year-old Jones is entering his 11th season in the league. He has built a reputation for his playmaking abilities, averaging 7.3 points, 4.3 assists, and only 0.8 turnovers per game over 738 regular-season appearances. His career path has taken him through Minnesota, Memphis, Washington, Phoenix, Orlando, and Dallas, showcasing his versatility and adaptability.
After spending four years each with the Timberwolves and Grizzlies, Jones has experienced some movement in recent seasons, playing for four different teams within the last three years. This season, he began with the Orlando Magic, where he struggled to find his rhythm, averaging just 3.1 points and 2.6 assists per game while coming off the bench.
Jones was subsequently traded to the Charlotte Hornets, who later dealt him to the Mavericks. Despite averaging 3.9 points and 3.8 assists over his eight-game stint in Dallas, it appears he was keen on aligning with a playoff-caliber team, which led him to choose the Nuggets. This is a significant opportunity for Jones as he joins a franchise that clinched the championship in 2023 and aims to continue its success after consecutive trips to the Western Conference semifinals.
Jones’ addition may inject fresh energy and experience into the Nuggets’ roster as they pursue another title, offering him a chance to further showcase his skills on a competitive stage.