Tyus Jones joining Grizzlies as Timberwolves reportedly eye 2020 free agency
Tyus Jones is packing up for Memphis.
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ restricted free agent signed a three-year, $28 million offer sheet with the Memphis Grizzlies, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports.
The Timberwolves confirmed Tuesday night that they declined to match the offer in a statement from president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas.
“We sincerely thank Tyus for his contributions on the court and Tyus and the entire Jones family for their genuine impact on the Twin Cities community,” Gersson wrote. “We wish them nothing but the best in Memphis.”
Cap maneuver for Timberwolves
According to Wojnarowski, an impetus for Minnesota letting Jones walk is to free up salary cap space for free agency in 2020.
Jones averaged 6.9 points, 4.8 assists and two rebounds while splitting time as a starter and reserve for the Timberwolves last season, his fourth in the league after being drafted No. 24 overall out of Duke in 2015.
He started 23 games with Jeff Teague plagued by injury for much of the season. He and Derrick Rose split much of the duties at point. With Rose leaving in free agency for the Detroit Pistons, recently acquired Shabazz Napier will fall in line for backup point guard duties.
Jones gives the Grizzlies point-guard depth behind star rookie Ja Morant.
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