Ahead of the February 5 trade deadline, the Minnesota Timberwolves seem to be eyeing a way to upgrade their point guard depth. They are also looking to do so in a cost-effective manner. On Thursday, Jake Fischer reported that the Orlando Magic are open to trading veteran guard Tyus Jones at a cheap cost.
"Sources say that the Magic have called several teams to explore the prospect of swapping reserve guard Tyus Jones for some second-round draft capital," Fischer wrote.
At the surface level, it's easy to say the Wolves should explore trading for Jones (who spent the first four years of his career in Minnesota) at such a cheap cost. However, Jones is at such a discount price for a reason -- the reality is he hasn't been productive at all, and he wouldn't have a spot in the Wolves' rotation.
The 6-foot guard is averaging 16.8 minutes, 3.2 points, and 2.4 assists on 35.3/29.5/100 shooting splits. Orlando is also 9.6 points per 100 possessions worse with Jones on the court.
The Timberwolves shouldn't trade for Tyus Jones
Outside of his poor play, as a first tax apron team, the Wolves would have to match salaries in any deal. Jones is on a one-year $7 million contract, so that's easier said than done. The Wolves should look elsewhere to upgrade their point guard depth.
I'm not opposed to the Wolves looking at cheap ways to upgrade their point guard room -- in fact, I think this is a likely outcome. However, any player that the Wolves trade for needs to have shown evidence that they're capable of contributing to a rotation.
Players like Jose Alvarado and Kris Dunn would be on my radar. Ironically, Tyus' brother Tre would be another player I'd look into, although he'd likely come at a slightly higher price.
My point is that there are several budget-friendly options available that could contribute solid minutes. Frankly, Jones hasn't shown any evidence that he can play meaningful minutes this season.
It is shocking that Jones has declined so quickly, as he averaged a much more respectable 10.2 points and 5.3 assists last season with the Phoenix Suns. However, the disastrous results of this season shouldn't be taken lightly. The Magic could hypothetically have used Jones' skill set, but he's been flat-out unplayable.
While a team might roll the dice on Jones for a low price at the deadline, that team shouldn't be the Wolves, especially with other quality options available.