Following Ja Morant’s 25-game suspension, the Memphis Grizzlies already know they will face organizational challenges as they look to get past the first round of the NBA Playoffs next season. With the way the roster is currently structured, the Grizzlies will once again have to rely heavily on backup point guard Tyus Jones.
He’s started 45 games at point guard for the Grizz over the past two seasons as Morant has dealt with injuries and off-court issues. In that time, Jones has averaged 14.4 PPG and 7.3 APG while averaging just 1.2 turnovers per game. This is an elite assist-to-turnover ratio, but that’s nothing new for the former first-round pick, who has led the NBA in AST/TO ratio in each of the past five seasons.
Yet, Jones is stuck behind Morant. He’ll never be in a situation where he’s the official, long-term starting point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, and everyone realizes it.
So, with the 27-year-old headed into the final year of his contract, the Grizzlies are “exploring trade opportunities” to get Jones into a starting role on another NBA team this offseason, according to Yahoo’s Jake Fischer.
Jones is due a reasonable $14 million in 2023, and he could likely do even better once he hits the open market after next season. Depending on where he lands and how he performs, likely in a starting role, Jones may be able to cash in for an even bigger payday next year. But first, the Grizzlies need to find a worthy trade partner.
Some teams who could reasonably seek an improvement in their backcourt include Miami, Los Angeles (both the Clippers and Lakers), Phoenix, and several others. A reunion back in his home state of Minnesota could work out too, but the Timberwolves currently have veteran Mike Conley who appears to have a stronghold on the starting role in the Apple Valley native’s old stomping grounds.
The Grizzlies are said to be seeking more depth along the wing. This makes sense with Dillon Brooks headed for free agency and previous reports suggesting the team has no interest in continuing their partnership.
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