Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 goals for the offseason
By Nick Crain
3. Bring back Tyus Jones
After winning the 2015 NCAA National Championship at Duke University as a freshman, Tyus Jones declared for the NBA Draft, forgoing his final three years of college eligibility. On the night of the 2015 NBA Draft, Jones was selected 24th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, then acquired by the Timberwolves for several picks.
After playing four quality seasons in Minnesota, Jones is now a restricted free agent. On his career, he has averaged 5.1 points, 3.3 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 17.7 minutes. Last season, he showed improvement with career highs in points, rebounds, assists, and minutes played.
Being a restricted free agent this summer means Minnesota can match the offer sheet of any other team. Although this can get tricky and can result in the Timberwolves having to overpay for him, Jones is still someone they need to bring back.
When it comes to reliable backup point guards, many of them are older, veteran players. Tyus Jones is a rare player who plays much smarter than most players his age. At just 23 years old, he plays like a veteran and is reliable running the bench unit. In 68 games last season, Jones only turned the ball over 47 times.
Of all the free agents Minnesota could attempt to sign this offseason, Tyus Jones could be the most important. Unless another team has an offer sheet that is much higher than what he is worth, the Timberwolves should have no hesitation matching the offer. Having a reliable backup point guard who is also young and upcoming is extremely rare.