Minnesota Timberwolves: Bringing back Tyus Jones is crucial

The Minnesota Timberwolves must find a way to bring back Tyus Jones after missing out on D’Angelo Russell and Derrick Rose.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have much uncertainty at the point guard position heading into the 2019-20 NBA season. Jeff Teague is on his last year of his three-year contract and it’s unlikely he returns for another go around when the year ends.

Derrick Rose signed a contract with the Detroit Pistons and will not return to Minnesota. His departure leaves a big hole off the bench. Rose provided a boost of offense this last season off the bench, with an average of 18.0 points per game.

However, the Wolves were able to snag Shabazz Napier in a sign-and-trade with the Golden State Warriors. Napier is coming off his best season scoring the ball, producing 9.4 points per game last season. His shooting percentages were down, but he did take more shots per game.

He’s a nice addition if he sticks around for the season, but the Timberwolves can’t be satisfied with just Napier and Teague manning the point guard position.

Tyus Jones is yet to sign with an NBA team, but with Quinn Cook and T.J. McConnell recently signing new deals with their teams, there are few options left for teams who need another point guard.

Jones is a restricted free agent, which allows Minnesota to match any offer he recieves on the open market. He may never be a starting point guard, but he can be a very good backup. For Minnesota’s needs, he’s a good fit in the starting lineup because of his ability to make the right plays and allow his teammates to score.

Last year, in his fourth season, Jones averaged 6.9 points, 4.8 assists, 2.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. He also shot the 41.5 percent from the field and 31.7 percent from 3-point range.

Jones’ stats aren’t and haven’t been eye-popping throughout his career, but when he’s in the game he makes plays happen and others around him better. When he filled in as a starter in 23 games last season, he proved to show that he might be a better option in the starting lineup.

Minnesota needs their former backup point guard back for another go around, especially with the uncertainty at the position. By the end of next season, they will have no one on the books who will be the team’s point guard.

A lot of things can change at any point in the NBA. For example, will Minnesota make a play for Russell Westbrook? Will they try once again to acquire D’Angelo Russell mid-season? Could they go out and draft someone in the 2020 NBA Draft to fill the need next summer? There are avenues to explore by the end of next season, but there’s no question that Jones makes Minnesota better.

It was recently reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic that Memphis has signed Jones to a significant offer sheet. The Timberwolves will now have 48 hours to match this offer and retain him.

Is this something Minnesota will be willing to match? We will soon find out.

Re-signing Tyus Jones will be a key move this offseason and after missing out on both D’Angelo Russell and Derrick Rose, the Wolves have to find a way to bring back the Apple Valley native.