Minnesota Timberwolves send NAW to Atlanta for payday

On Monday, the Wolves started the day by re-upping for one more year of player/unofficial bench coach, Joe Ingles. Then, later in the evening, it news broke that the Timberwolves had traded Nickeil Alexander-Walker to the Atlanta Hawks in a sign and trade that netted them a 2nd round pick and a future trade exception.

Atlanta is sending a 2027 second-round pick via Cleveland and cash to Minnesota to acquire Nickeil Alexander-Walker via sign-and-trade for four years and $62 million, sources said. https://t.co/ej11s9qfM4

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025

Nickeil Alexander-Walker played the 2024-25 season on one of the most team-friendly contracts in the NBA. In his second full season with the Minnesota Timberwolves NAW became a rotation fixture and one of the most under-the-radar stars in the game. Now he gets his payday.

For some time, it’s been assumed that he would sign elsewhere this offseason, given Minnesota’s current financial situation. His market was going to be robust, so the Timberwolves took advantage by trading him before he hit the open market.

Timberwolves hamstrung by 2nd Apron

From here, president of basketball operations Tim Connelly is expected to sit back for the majority of the offseason. The Minnesota Timberwolves 2025-26 salary number now sits at $204.3 million, according to Spotrac.

That leaves them just $3.5 million short of the 2nd apron luxury tax threshold, of $207.8 million. The Wolves must stay below that number or face massive penalties, both financial and from a roster-building standpoint.

Minnesota offseason

* T'wolves slightly below the 2nd apron

* Not allowed to use the $5.7M tax ML

* Can re-sign their own free agents pic.twitter.com/oNbAgWxQNb

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 29, 2025

The Timberwolves orchestrated a sign-and-trade with Alexander-Walker to facilitate his new deal with Atlanta. They did pick up a second round pick and some cash in the swap.

The four-year $62 million payday was substantially more than Minnesota would have been able to offer him. Last season NAW made $4.3 million in the second year of a two-year $9 million extension he signed with the Timberwolves.

NAW played all 82 games for Minnesota this season. It was the second-straight year he had accomplished that feat. He also made 10 starts for Chris Finch. In 2024-25 NAW averaged 9.4 points per game on 43.8% shooting.

He now heads to an Atlanta team with Trae Young at the helm. It should be expected that Alexander-Walker will be given a bit more freedom in the rotation even after averaging 25.3 minutes per game with the Minnesota Timberwolves this past year.

More former Wolves find new homes

It wasn’t just NAW that was on the move Monday night. Monday night’s pre-free agency frenzy saw multiple former Minnesota Timberwolves sign on the dotted line with other teams around the league.

It didn’t take long for Luka Garza to find a new home, after the Wolves declined his player option for the upcoming season. Last night, the former Iowa Hawkeye superstar agreed to terms with the Boston Celtics on a two-year deal worth $5.5 million guaranteed.

Free agent center Luka Garza has agreed to a two-year, $5.5 million fully guaranteed deal with the Boston Celtics, sources tell ESPN. The Celtics negotiated the new deal with Garza's representatives Mark Bartelstein and Kieran Piller of @PrioritySports tonight. pic.twitter.com/d5x5HzGYIL

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025

It has been a while since Tyus Jones played for the Timberwolves. However, the “one of us” guard could have potentially been an option to fill the playmaker role Minnesota needs this summer. In theory, a reunion made sense.

Unfortunately, that won’t happen. Instead, he will join another fellow Twin Cities native, Jalen Suggs, in Orlando, after he and the Magic agreed to terms on a new deal. Speaking of “keeping up with the Jones'”, Tyus’ little brother Tre Jones is staying in Chicago, after he signed a three-year contract for $24 million.

Free agent guard Tyus Jones has agreed to a one-year, $7 million deal with the Orlando Magic, sources tell ESPN. Magic officials negotiated the deal with Jones' agent Kevin Bradbury of LIFT Sports Management, which gives Jones a key role for the East contenders. pic.twitter.com/oR6gTHDyPK

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025

Russell will have a player option in the second season of his two-year, $13M deal with the Mavericks, sources said. https://t.co/HGfKaEnMoW

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves Bring Back Veteran Free Agent

The memories of D’Angelo Russell, around these parts, aren’t all that positive. Since being traded away, the former Minnesota Timberwolves point guard has bounced around between Los Angeles and Brooklyn.

Now, he is joining the Dallas Mavericks, where he’ll team up with Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis and top pick Cooper Flagg on what appears to be an immediate title contender a future title contender

Minnesota Timberwolves roster didn’t suit Tyus Jones

Tyus Jones was initially drafted with the 24th overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He never played there though, being immediately acquired in a trade by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Apple Valley native spent his first four NBA seasons playing at the Target Center. After five years away, a reunion may have been possible this offseason. Local insider Darren “Doogie” Wolfson said it came down to minutes for Jones this time around.

“They were never really in on Tyus Jones. A lot of people hit me up saying, ‘I can’t believe Tyus is going to Phoenix for the veteran minimum.’ If you had told me on July 2nd Tyus Jones would sign for the veteran minimum, I would have said hey you’re crazy. I would have said the same thing about Gary Trent Jr. It’s the life of aprons and all that stuff, but he wasn’t coming here to be a backup. The Wolves are not demoting Mike Conley Jr. The Wolves knew that, so there were never any sort of talks between Tyus Jones and the Wolves…He will start for the Phoenix Suns. Betting on himself that he can now cash out this time next year.“

Darren Wolfson on Tyus Jones free agency

Last season Jones played in 66 games for the Washington Wizards and he started all of them. Jones averaged 12 points per game, which was a career-high. His 7.3 assists per game were also a career high. He didn’t receive sixth man of the year consideration after elevating to the starting five, but the tradeoff was definitely worthwhile.

Related: Timberwolves Tried Trading 4 Draft Picks for Tyus Jones but Wizards Said No

Minnesota Timberwolves added guard talent through draft

The Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t land Tyus Jones and they didn’t retain veteran guard Monte Morris (who also went to the Suns). Tim Connelly did make a move to grab Rob Dillingham during the first round of the NBA Draft however. The former Kentucky guard is expected to play significant minutes behind Mike Conley Jr. How quickly Dillingham can develop at the next level remains to be seen, but he could be a massive boost for Chris Finch’s squad.

No. 8 pick Rob Dillingham was COOKING in the @Timberwolves Vegas win over the Magic 🔥🐺

25 PTS | 12 AST | 3 3PM pic.twitter.com/bbI77eI2mo

— NBA (@NBA) July 21, 2024

In his one season at Kentucky, Dillingham averaged 15.2 points per game across 32 contests for the Wildcats. He dished out nearly four assists per game, and had more than a steal per contest as well. At just 19 years old, Dillingham has plenty of growth to show at the next level, and he will be alongside some elite company on the Timberwolves.

Last season the Timberwolves knocked the Phoenix Suns out of the Western Conference playoffs. If that is going to take place this year, then they will send Tyus Jones packing as well.

Related: Rob Dillingham Makes Strong Impression Despite Shooting Struggles in Summer League

One might argue the Timberwolves have no need to add another player. After all, they carried just 14 players for the bulk of last season, opting to keep the final spot open for potential 10-day contracts, such as T.J. Warren. Another way they could fill that roster spot in-season is if they took on an additional player via trade.

However, the Timberwolves may be better off signing one of the top free agents available. After all, the Wolves are finally contenders, which means they’re actually an attractive landing spot for once. But who would the Timberwolves even sign? There’s one obvious option sitting right there in front of us.

Related: Rob Dillingham Makes Strong Impression Despite Shooting Struggles in Summer League

Do the Minnesota Timberwolves need another point guard?

Let’s dive into the point guard situation before we get too deep into the weeds here. With Mike Conley and Rob Dillingham, the Timberwolves’ floor general rotation is already strong. But Chris Finch loves his point guards, especially if they can bring a high IQ to the floor. It’s why Monte Morris, who has one of the NBA’s best assist to turnover ratios, was a great fit.

But Morris is gone now, and so is Jordan McLaughlin. Again, with Conley and Dillingham, it wouldn’t seem like there are any point guard minutes available. Yet, we’ve also seen Coach Finch bust out rotations that feature two lead guards.

With Morris and McLaughlin gone, one ideal replacement would be someone like Ricky Rubio, but there’s been no indication he wants to return to the NBA. Instead, Rubio has signed with Joventut Badalona in Spain. However, now another solution has emerged, and he’s one Timberwolves fans know all too well.

Related: Steph Curry Pokes The Bear (Anthony Edwards) With Olympic Trash Talk

Tyus Jones was open to returning to Timberwolves, before Suns swooped in

Burnsville native Tyus Jones entered the league as the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 24th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. After four years operating as a backup point guard, Jones left the first chance he got as a free agent, thanks to the Memphis Grizzlies offering a three-year, $26 million contract.

But he didn’t get his first full-time chance at a starting role until four years later when the Grizzlies shipped him to one of the NBA’s worst teams, the Washington Wizards. Jones started all 66 games he appeared in, but for whatever reason, he wasn’t able to land a respectable contract this time around in free agency.

Tyus Jones stats last season: 12 PPG, 7.3 APG, 1 TO, 2.7 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 41.4% 3PT

Somehow still unsigned heading into Saturday, Jones, 28, was expected to land with a team in the very near future, and one of the options was the Timberwolves. But they weren’t the only team pursuing the former Duke star.

According to Washington Wizards reporter Troy Haliburton, Jones was prioritizing a return to one of his former teams. Yet, other possibilities include the Atlanta Hawks and Phoenix Suns.

I been sitting on a Tyus Jones update and wanted to blog about it, but looks like things might be progressing because teams are getting active today. Tyus will be looking to sign with one of his former teams Minnesota/Memphis, with the Suns and Hawks also showing interest.

— Troy Haliburton (@TroyHalibur) July 26, 2024

While signing Jones would have been awesome for many reasons, he ended up signing a veteran minimum deal with the Suns, where he has a much better chance at starting.

Tyus Jones — the market’s top remaining free agent guard — has agreed on a one-year, $3.3 million deal with the Phoenix Suns, Kevin Bradbury of @LiftSportsMNGMT tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/lhhJkKowQz

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 27, 2024

Had the Timberwolves signed Jones, once again, he wouldn’t have been looking at a featured role, but he would have definitely earned plenty of minutes in Finchy’s rotation. Not to mention, he would have been an invaluable source for a 19-year-old Rob Dillingham to go to with any questions about catching up to speed in the NBA.

Jones is the exact type of player the Wolves seek out. He does not need many shots to make an impact. His assist-to-turnover ratio is legendary, and he’s a high-percentage shooter, even from a distance. Even though Coach Finch has never worked with him, he would have been the perfect fit. Oh well.

Related: Timberwolves’ Big 3 Disrespected in Latest Rankings

We’ve already written about why the return of Ricky Rubio makes a lot of sense… but what about another familiar PG face? Because Apple Valley’s own, Tyus Jones, is still on the open market as well.

Tyus Jones back to the Minnesota Timberwolves?

Considering possible landing spots that would remove Jones from Washington, Jack Simone at the Washington Wizards Fansided site “Wiz of Awes” wrote about possible landing spots for last year’s Wizards players, turned free agents, and pegged Minnesota as the most likely destination for Tyus Jones.

Jones should be looking for more than a minimum contract, but if it comes down to the end of free agency and he still doesn’t have a deal, the Minnesota Timberwolves would be a great landing spot.

Minnesota just lost Monte Morris in free agency, and Mike Conley is only getting older. Bringing Jones into the fold would help them right away and could give them a longer-term answer at the one alongside rookie Rob Dillingham.

Jack Simone – Wiz of Awes

Tyus Jones is one of the most successful basketball players Minnesota has ever produced. Originally drafted out of Duke, by his hometown Timberwolves, Tyus played the first four seasons of his NBA career at Target Center, just 20 minutes away from where he grew up (depending on traffic).

Tyus Jones was good in Washington

Jones signed with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019, where he played four more years, before leaving them via free agency, and signing a one-year deal with the Washington Wizards last offseason. In DC, Tyus got starting minutes (29.3 MPG) for the first time in his career.

As a result, he averaged career highs in just about every statistical category, including points (12.0), assists (7.3) and rebounds (2.7). Still, those numbers don’t jump out as a sure-fire starter, by any means.

Tyus Jones should be a player the Lakers should pivot towards. Yes, another guard but arguably still one of the best backup/starter mixes, knows his role, and has always had the best assist-to-turnover ratios in the NBA. pic.twitter.com/MOVnRZZNvM

— Quest for 18 Podcast (@Quest18Pod) July 1, 2024

His return would be a fun full circle moment… but does it make sense? Not if Tyus wants to be paid what he is worth. As everyone knows (including the above Wizards writer), Minnesota’s salary cap and luxury tax situation is not good. The only way a homecoming for Jones would work is through a minimum contract.

Related: Could Ricky Rubio Return to Minnesota Timberwolves?

Simone is aware that any deal with MN would have to be a veteran minimum, which he admits is the hardest part about his proposed reunion. But as he notes in the article, nothing is stopping other teams from signing Tyus Jones right now… and yet there he sits, still waiting for the right suitor to come along.

Would Tyus Jones take a back seat and less pay to return home?

So, could he take a 1-year prove-it minimum contract with his hometown team, to try and end the Minnesota sports curse he knows all too much about? Simone thinks so…

It would be somewhat shocking to see Jones need to settle for a minimum contract. Last season, at the deadline, Jones was one name floating around that the Timberwolves were interested in trading for. Instead, they landed Morris, whose cost was a bit lower.

Related: NBA Insider Reveals Interesting Timberwolves Free Agent Targets… but Money is a Problem

It seems unlikely a 28-year-old, who started all of last season and should be in the prime of his career, would drop down to veteran minimum salary level, in order to join the Wolves roster, no matter how close the ties are or how much difficulty he is having in free agency. But… crazier things have happened.

The Timberwolves are hardly the same franchise they were last time Jones was here. He could be another piece that helps the club chase down a championship ring. He ‘d be another great mentor to help bring Dillingham along, and he’d provide probably the best possible insurance on the market, should a 37-year-old Mike Conley miss any extended periods of time in 2024-25.

Related: Every Player the Wolves Have Been Linked to Before NBA Trade Deadline

Most of the ‘insider reports’ that have surfaced over the last week or two have gone largely uncontested. In those reports, the Wolves have been linked to deadline assets like Monte Morris, Tyus Jones, Doug McDermott, Kyle Lowry, and a few others (see linked article above).

Timberwolves never offered four draft picks for Tyus Jones?

But Tuesday, one well-known local sports insider Darren ‘Doogie’ Wolfson (KSTP, SKOR North) went on the Mackey & Judd show for a his regular scoop session appearance, where he made it a point to discredit one of the most circulated Wolves trade deadline reports in recent days.

Wolfson says early on in the show, pretty vehemently, that a report via Matt Moore (Action Network) — which stated TWO trusted sources told Moore that Minnesota offered (4) second-round picks to the Washington Wizards for Tyus Jones — are “100% false”.

Not only did that multi-pick offer never happen, but Doogie reiterates something he’s said previously, regarding a possible Wolves + Tyus reunion, that it’s highly unlikely no matter how much sense it might make in theory.

Mackey: “How possible is Tyus Jones?”

Wolfson: “Not very possible at all. In fact, that one report about the offer for four 2nd round picks [was] 100% false, that I can tell you.”

Doogie goes on to talk about how the Wolves have had conversations with the Wizards about Tyus Jones, among others, including his backcourt partner Delon Wright. Wolfson notes that Tyus still has fans inside the organization and that he might be the perfect fit, if Tim Connelly could could find a way to get it done.

Related: Timberwolves Eyeing Multiple Wizards and Pistons Guards at NBA Trade Deadline

But the Wizards aren’t in a hurry to move Jones, unless they get the 1st round offer they’ve been asking for. Executives and coaches like him in DC and he likes a lot of things about being with the Wizards, including his starting role, which would not be available with the Timberwolves, at least this season.

Minnesota Timberwolves still expected to do something

Don’t let Wolfson’s truth bomb on Moore’s false report fool you into thinking the Timberwolves might not do anything. He expects Tim Connelly to get something done sometime in the next 48-50 hours, prior to the trade deadline hitting on Thursday afternoon.

“If you look at their sheet for next year, they’re a 2nd apron team, or 1st apron, I don’t want to get into the menusia. They will be limited in terms of roster flexibility and maneuverability next year. This is their last great chance to really do some things. That’s why, again, I will be surprised if they do nothing. That championship window is open, you need to strike. It’s just delicate, in terms of [any potential trade needing to be] close to dollar for dollar [on money going in and money going out].”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North)

Related: Every Player the Minnesota Timberwolves Have Been Linked to Before NBA Trade Deadline

Multiple reports have linked the two but earlier this week Darren Wolfson (SKOR North) reported that a trade for Jones probably wasn’t in the cards. Not because the Wolves aren’t interested. He fits exactly what this team needs, which is a stabilizing ball-handler on the bench who can knock them down from deep when open.

Minnesota Timberwolves Offer FOUR Draft Picks Tyus Jones

The problem, since the very beginning of trade season, has been the cost it will take to get a Tyus deal done. Washington is insisting they get a 1st-round pick in return for the 27-year-old, something Tim Connelly couldn’t pull off even if he wanted to, since Minnesota cannot trade any 1st round picks away this year, due to the Stepien Rule.

And according to Matt Moore (Action Network) Connelly has thrown what he can of the the kitchen sink at the Wizards, offering FOUR 2nd round picks in exchange for Jones, but to no avail.

The Wizards’ offer threshold continues to stay at a first-rounder. The Minnesota Timberwolves, two sources said, offered four second-rounders for Jones, but Washington held the line. The Timberwolves have big point guard decisions coming up with Mike Conley becoming a free agent this summer at age 36.

Matt Moore – Action Network

It’ll be interesting to see whether or not the Wizards will change their price for Jones. You’d have to think that the Wolves’ offer is the best one on the table, as of now. If they had the 1st round pick offer that they covet, they seemingly would have pulled the trigger by now.

Related: Two Minnesota Timberwolves Earn All-Star Nods, One Other Star Gets Snubbed

I mean, Jones’ contract is expiring so, if the Wizards don’t move him to the highest bidder by February 8 then they will lose him for nothing via free agency at the end of the season. But if they do bring the price down, will Connelly have already made his big trade deadline swing?

Related: Two Minnesota Timberwolves Earn All-Star Nods, One Other Star Gets Snubbed

Conley keeps the Wolves together, on schedule and all moving in the right direction. And he does it with grace, humility and leadership we haven’t seen from that position in a long time, which is why both his teammates and the fans love him.

Mike Conley is averaging 10.8 PPG, 2.8 RBS and 6.3 AST a game and he’s played an impressive 43 of 48 games this season. And some new buzz on Thursday from local insider Darren Wolfson (KSTP) suggests the Wolves have started discussions with Mike Conley on a potential extension.

Mike Conley Extension on the Way?

Darren Wolfson joined the Mackey and Judd Show (SKOR North), shedding light on the potential future plans of the Timberwolves and Mike Conley. Conley stands out as eligible for an in season extension, setting the stage for discussions about their next moves.

“There have been discussions on an extension for Mike Conley Jr, so remember, there are a lot of guys that are not extension eligible in-season. He’s the opposite; he’s actually extension eligible right this moment. So, not to get into all the minutia, but if the Wolves wanted to sign Mike Conley Jr to a contract extension today, they could do that. Now, it’s not far down the road or anything like that, but there have been discussions. Last time I brought that up a couple of months ago, I said ‘no, nothing’s off the ground at this point’. [Extension talks are] at least a little bit off the ground.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey and Judd Show

Due to Mike Conley’s age of 36, it’s unlikely that the extension would exceed two years. Conley’s teammates have emphasized his importance to the team, making it crucial to keep him in Minnesota. The Timberwolves record of 2-3 without Conley this season further shows his impact on the team’s performance.

Tyus Jones too expensive for Minnesota Timberwolves

Wolfson wasn’t done with his Wolves scoops, after Conley’s possible extension. Another topic of discussion revolved around the acquisition of a backup point guard, and former Timberwolves PG and Apple Valley native, Tyus Jones emerging as a possible target.

Related: Timberwolves Interested in Gordon Hayward and Doug McDermott, Especially Post Trade Deadline

Tyus Jones, an Apple Valley native, is having a great season on a disaster team, the Washington Wizards, who are expected to deal him before the deadline. Wolves fans would love to see him return to the Timberwolves and the fit is pretty much perfect for what they need. Wolfson, however, says that the Wizards’ asking price (a first round pic) is just too rich for Minnesota’s blood.

“I did check again on Tyus Jones, like I know Tyus Jones fans at Mayo Clinic Square. It sounds like, now, hey, maybe the price comes down like next Wednesday, 24 hours out, but right now, the price is still pretty darn high. First-round pick, the Wolves, because of the Stepien rule, they can’t even trade their 2024 first-round pick, not that they would anyway, but point is, like, the Wolves just, there’s not a match. I’ve been saying that since December. There’s not really a match for Tyus Jones, depending on restricted free agent, the former Wolf who continues to perform at a very, very solid level. Ty would help these guys so much, but it sounds like Washington is still asking for too much. That’s a trade that I just, it’s hard for me to find a match, Minnesota and Washington.”

Wolfson – Mackey and Judd Show

If the Wizards are asking for a first-round pick, the Timberwolves can’t make that trade due to the Stepien rule, as Wolfson mentioned. Perhaps as the deadline approaches and the Wizards aim to maximize their return for Tyus, the price might decrease.

However, this could still require the Timberwolves to trade away a player or two, such as Troy Brown, Kyle Anderson, or even Shake Milton. With less than a week left before the deadline, the Timberwolves have to decide whom to pursue to strengthen their roster through a trade. We’ll soon find out who they target.

Related: Where the Minnesota Timberwolves Stand in Latest NBA Power Rankings

Pressure is on PoBO Tim Connelly

This is a Wolves roster that appears talented, even primed for a Western Conference playoff run the likes of which we have not seen since 2003-04. That’s why, given the offseason luxury tax uncertainty awaiting the Timberwolves front office six months from now, there will be a ton of pressure (likely from ownership directly) on president of basketball operations Tim Connelly to make whatever deadline moves necessary in order to push this 2023-24 squad to its full potential.

So where/who will the Wolves look to add? Well first, let’s ponder what exactly a perfect trade deadline acquisition might look like. This is already a historically good Wolves roster so it has to be the right piece.

THE MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES ARE 27-11

#1 IN THE WEST (SINCE NOV. 18)
#1 DEFENSIVE RATING IN THE LEAGUE
15-2 AT HOME

(🎥 via @RyanMSwanson)pic.twitter.com/P2OFtAKZOa

— Shahbaz Khan (@ShahbazMKhan) January 13, 2024

What do the Minnesota Timberwolves need most?

They don’t need any stars or heavy-usage players. With that said, any logical addition has to be legitimately capable of cracking a regular rotation laced with dudes like Naz Reid, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kyle Anderson, who are all capable of providing big time minutes on both sides of the floor, any given night.

So, where is the weakest spot on the 2023-24 Minnesota Timberwolves depth chart? When Connelly looks to improve the roster, it probably starts with a ball-handling, pass-first point guard who will take care of the rock and operate Chris Finch’s offense efficiently for the 2nd team.

Mike Conley is the starter and the Wolves are not looking to supplant him. They want someone they can trust behind Mike, should he get hurt or start to show his age (36). Now, if the Wolves can find a pass-first ball-handling PG who can also knock down 3’s at a high rate… then dammit, you’d have darn-near the perfect addition to this Timberwolves roster.

Related: Wizards are Shopping Tyus Jones and Timberwolves Have Legit Interest

Jordan McLaughlin has been pretty good in that role, since coming back from injury, but on a really good team, depth at PG and lack of sharpshooting from three point land remain the roster’s two biggest weak spots.

Then of course, any acquisition has to be a good fit for the organization and locker room. No matter the talent, the intangibles have to fit too. So with all that in mind, let’s look to the trade market. What names/skillsets stick out?

The Perfect Trade Deadline Acquisition: Tyus Jones

If you’re screaming at your screen, “TYUS JONES!”, then you nailed it. There is one very available option that seems like a more perfect fit than all others. If Tim Connelly and Wolves ownership wants a trade deadline acquisition that hits on every single level possible, the answer is Tyus Jones.

By the way:

Tyus Jones is shooting like THIS (60.5 EFG%) while having a 6.18 assist-to-turnover ratio this season… pic.twitter.com/7HSYhMBDuR

— NBA University (@NBA_University) January 11, 2024

Not only is he a local sports hero, who remains extremely connected to the Twin Cities community, but the basketball fit is more perfect than any other deal they could make.

Tyus is from Apple Valley, a 20-minute to 2.5-hour commute (depending on traffic) to downtown Minneapolis, where Wolves facilities are. The now 27-year-old Jones was drafted by Flip Saunders in 2015 and played four seasons with the Timberwolves, before he walked to Memphis in free agency for more money in 2019.

Perfect basketball fit

Since then, Tyus Jones has blossomed into one of the best fringe starting point guards in the NBA. He remains one of the most responsible point guards in the NBA, only committing 0.8 turnovers per game. He’s never had a season where he’s averaged over 0.9 turnovers per game.

The only players with 5+ AST and 0 TOV in 10 games this season:

Tyus Jones
Mike Conley pic.twitter.com/Jk03vQq9b0

— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 14, 2024

Oh, and remember that added bonus if the Wolves can find a ball-handler who can also shoot? Jones is shooting a career high 42% from deep this season and that’s not due to a decrease in attempts (3.8 per game).

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves Contracts and Salary Cap 2023-24

From his rookie year in 2016 through the 2020-21 (6 seasons), Jones averaged just 1.7 three-pointers per game, converting 34% in that span. In the three seasons since (2021-2024), Tyus is shooting 3.5 deep balls per game, a 106% increase which has led to a boost in accuracy all the way to 39%.

Jones’ fit goes way beyond basketball

If Tim Connelly wants to take advantage of the current good favor he is in with the Wolves fanbase, he will find a way to get Tyus Jones back into a Timberwolves uniform. Decision makers in professional sports make fanbase pleasing moves all the time.

Good morning TL,

Tyus Jones. pic.twitter.com/NmhOUK6beI

— ᵖ⁵ (@PaoloLegacy) January 14, 2024

The Wizards are selling off whatever asset possible before the deadline so Jones’ availability won’t be a problem. He will, however, have other suitors so we’ll see if the Timberwolves are willing to depart with what it takes to get the deal done. But Sam Vecini (The Athletic) agrees that Tyus Jones fits what the Wolves need like a glove and listed them as a possible landing spot for the Minnesota native in his 2024 NBA Trade Deadline big board.

I don’t think the Wizards are likely to get a first-round pick for him alone. His contract is not extendable, as he only signed a two-year deal back in 2022. But perhaps his expiring contract and utility make him valuable to playoff teams willing to attach a first-round pick or other future assets of equivalent value to offload a longer-term deal.

Sam Vecenie – The Athletic

Why not? At the end of the day, the fans overall opinion of you plays a large part into how the owner feels about your employment, too. So if an acquisition at any level of the organization earns you brownie points with the fanbase, it’s worth investigating.

Related: Timberwolves Loss vs Celtics Proved They Belong in NBA Finals Conversation

As long as the #1 determining factor for Connelly is a player’s effect on the locker room and in the win column, pleasing the fanbase should be top of mind. But in the case of Tyus Jones, the still relatively new Minnesota Timberwolves head decision maker can win on all fronts.

Tyus Jones having a career season

But now, Tyus is blossoming into his NBA prime at 27 years old and playing some of the best basketball of his career. He’s started 22 games and he’s averaging a career high in points and rebounds. Part of that is his usage being by far the highest of his career.

Tyus Jones is shooting 58.6% (34/58) on floaters—an excellent weapon when the rim is closed

Quality half-court decision-maker, helping set up Kuz & Deni for career-best finishing numbers. Solid spot-up shooter, & despite damning physical limitations, he at least tries on defense pic.twitter.com/LOETj2vJuZ

— NBA University (@NBA_University) December 5, 2023

Related: Is Rudy Gobert a Legitimate NBA MVP Candidate?

Yet, Jones still has a better FG%, eFG% than ever before. The biggest problem? He’s doing all this on one of the worst teams in the league, the Washington Wizards. Turnovers? Tyus doesn’t make them.

With the increased minutes, however, Jones’ turnovers per game have doubled and now sit at a whopping 0.8 per game, way up from the 0.4 he averaged the last three seasons.

Tyus starting his NBA career with his and our favorite NBA team, his home state Timberwolves. And they were mostly terrible for three of the four seasons he wore a Wolves uniform, from 2015-2019. Still, he’s played in 27 career playoff games, including four with Minnesota during the Jimmy Butler era.

Minnesota Timberwolves could use some PG help

Fast Forward a half-decade or so and the Minnesota Timberwolves are the best team in the Western Conference. There’s nothing they really “need” at the trade deadline. But, if there is one position they’d upgrade if given the opportunity, it’s backup point guard.

Since acquiring Mike Conley, the Wolves have been a completely different team. A much better, more mature and complete team; both on the court and in the locker room. But Mike is deep into his 30’s now and Minnesota really doesn’t have a true point guard behind him.

Kyle Anderson, Anthony Edwards, Shake Milton and Nickeil Alexander-Walker can all run the point, but that’s gotten the Timberwolves in trouble throughout the season. Jordan McLaughlin once showed promise but he’s been injured most of the season and somewhat disappointing when healthy.

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves schedule 2023: TV, channel, and more

So, Conley has been forced to remain around his 30 minutes per game career average, which is not the type of usage strain Chris Finch and the Wolves organization were hoping to put on the 18-year NBA vet.

Wolves like Tyus and he fits exactly what they lack

Enter Tyus Jones, who every team in the league who is looking for help at point guard currently has their eyes on, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have been interested in Jones going all the way back to last summer. On Tuesday, he talked about Tyus to Minnesota yet again. From the sounds of it, Jones’ camp is interested too.

“I was just texting with somebody who knows Tyus Jones real well. Tyus is rotting away in Washington, only played 20 minutes last night. [The Wizards] lose by 45 points to the 76ers. This Wolves regime likes Tyus. I don’t know what exactly the match would look like.

Washington will get multiple offers for Tyus. They have to trade him. I know he enjoys starting but he’s rotting away there in DC. So I just wonder, as trade season is about to ramp up at the end of this week. As guys like Shake Milton… guys that signed in the summer, become trade eligible, how can the wolves tweak this roster?”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey And Judd (SKOR North)

This isn’t just my Minnesota bias coming out for a fellow Minnesotan. Tyus Jones would fit what the Wolves need so perfectly. He’s a ball-handling point guard to run the 2nd unit efficiently who also offers a near-equal PG replacement to run with the starters in spurts so Conley can get more rest down the stretch.

Trading for Jones almost makes too much sense for the Wolves. We’ve already mentioned his growing up in the Twin Cities area and the fact that he’s already played four seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves organization. But don’t forget, Jones played with Mike Conley for multiple seasons in Memphis, too.

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Want another sneaky reason why it would be a really smart move for President of Basketball Ops, Tim Connelly to acquire Tyus? If the Timberwolves make the move first, others in the West can’t… including teams like the Los Angeles Lakers.

Wolves should trade for Tyus Jones so others can’t

Sure, the 2023-24 Lakers aren’t going to compete with Minnesota for a regular season Western Conference title, since LeBron goes into regular season cruise control to rest his body as much as possible and Anthony Davis’ play fluctuates throughout an 82-game stretch. But they won the play-in tournament and LeBron showed the world he’s still LeBron.

The Lakers’ biggest issue, whether D’Angelo Russell stans believe it or not, is PG play. That’s why Lakers fans on social media are calling for a trade that would bring Tyus to LA in hopes he can fill that gaping hole in their lineup.

If that were to happen, the Lakers would become even more dangerous, come spring. As Wolfson noted, the Lakers aren’t the NBA Finals contender that will have interest in Tyus.

Tyus Jones would be a great back up point guard for the Sixers to trade for! pic.twitter.com/MJtPadjhb9

— Aidan LaPorta (@AidanLaPorta69) December 7, 2023

The Wolves need to start thinking like a Western Conference champion. They may have an opportunity here that would allow them to fix a weakness in their lineup while also keeping a top West rival from doing the same.

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And that’s a move seriously worth contemplating. So what do you say, Tim Connelly? Go make yourself a local hero for the next couple weeks by bringing Tyus Jones home. Not only would you earn brownie points all around town, but you’d be making one hell of a basketball decision too.

Timberwolves interested in Tyus Jones

And that includes some help at point guard, which is why the Wolves have been showing legitimate interest in Apple Valley native, Tyus Jones, since it became known his former team, the Memphis Grizzlies, might deal him (via Darren Wolfson – SKOR North).

Do the #Timberwolves have interest in bringing back Tyus Jones?@DWolfsonKSTP has your scoop! pic.twitter.com/FhS3exWPTm

— SKOR North (@SKORNorth) June 22, 2023

Wizards put Jones back on the trade block

Many thought Tim Connelly & Co missed their chance to reel in Jones when he was dealt to the Washington Wizards in a draft day blockbuster that sent Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies and Kristapz Porzingis + 2023 and 2024 1st round picks to Boston.

Turns out, that isn’t the case. The Wizards want to enter full rebuild mode, according to Brian Windhorst’s latest podcast (14:00 minute mark), meaning every veteran on roster is available for the right price.

NBA insider, Keith Smith (Spotrac) confirmed the same, adding that Washington is engaged with several teams involving veteran point guards, as they look to thin their depth at that position. The Wizards also have Chris Paul, Monte Morris and Delon Wright on roster.

The Washington Wizards are far from done with rebuilding their roster. They're engaged with several teams on trade talks involving the veterans on their roster, sources tell @spotrac.

Washington is motivated to clear out some of their new logjam at point guard.

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 23, 2023

Jones is now 27 years old and coming off his best season yet, one that saw him average career highs in points (10.3), assists (5.2) and minutes (24.3) per game. He’s one of the most efficient point guards in the NBA and, reports suggest, he wants a starting job.

If Tyus is dead set on being a starter, the Wolves could include Mike Conley in a deal and take another piece back from Washington, to make the money work. Otherwise, Conley and Tyus together would make for one of the highest IQ point guard combinations in the league.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan