The NBA trade deals saw many blockbuster moves, with some unpopular ones not catching the same amount of traffic. One such move would be the trade of Tyus Jones, who was traded to the Orlando Magic from the Phoenix Suns. But this move can be a huge decider in what’s about to brew in the Eastern Conference. He brings leadership and elite efficiency to a Magic squad that was in desperate need for some veteran guidance and strong playmaking.
As Orlando prepares for the 2025–26 campaign, Jones has a golden opportunity to elevate both the starting lineup and bench production. This can make him one of the most underrated deals from this summer.
Tyus Jones: Playmaker, Shooter, Reliable and Efficient
Tyus Jones has made an impression across several teams as one of the best backup point guards. He is appreciated for his thoughtful decision-making and an unparalleled assist-to-turnover ratio.
In 81 games during the 2024–25 regular season with Phoenix Suns, Tyus Jones averaged 10.2 points, 5.3 assists and 2.4 rebounds.
These numbers highlight his capability to prepare an offense and maintain the flow, despite pressure. Jones has been consistent for six straight seasons as a top five league-wide in assist-to-turnover ratio. This can be the place where Orlando might have just hit the jackpot.
Tyus Jones: The Veteran Leader
Another place where the Magic can benefit from bringing in Jones into the squad is his leadership skills. He comes out clutch in chaotic, pressurizing moments. For a team like Orlando Magic, that gets affected by late-game turnovers and scoring droughts, this can be a plus point too as well.
After the signing of Tyus Jones, Orlando’s General Manager, Anthony Parker said praiseful comments, stating
“Calm under pressure and championship habits developed across playoff runs with both Memphis and Minnesota.”
Jones has played in 27 playoff games in his NBA career, featuring in 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2023. With the Timberwolves, he has played four games.
But during his time in Memphis, he played in three-consecutive playoffs, playing a total of 23 for the Grizzlies. In these 27 games, he has averaged 5.8 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists. His field goal percentage was at 36.5%, meanwhile his three-point percentage was at 31.4%. But his elite shooting is reflected in the stats itself, with a whopping free throw percentage of 90.0%.
With the presence of Tyus Jones, Orlando’s second unit can outperform opponents. Young lads like Anthony Black can take development strides in less pressurized minutes. In the words of Jones himself
Their vision of what they have in store for the team. For Me, first and foremost, how they envisioned me kind of adding what I could bring to the table for the team. I think it was just an was an easy, An easy decision to join this team. I have so many different connections already on the roster. Had a couple good conversations with a couple of those guys. It was an easy decision.
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