Free agent guard Tyus Jones has agreed to join the Denver Nuggets, according to his agent, Kevin Bradbury of LIFT Sports Management, who shared the news with ESPN on Monday. At 29 years old, Jones brings veteran experience to the Nuggets’ backcourt just as they approach the crucial playoff stretch.
Jones’ Season Movements and Recent Performance
This season marks Jones’ 11th in the NBA, starting with a one-year contract with the Orlando Magic last summer. During the season, he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets and then moved to the Dallas Mavericks at the trade deadline. The Mavericks waived him on Saturday to make room for two-way guard Ryan Nembhard. In eight games with Dallas, Jones averaged 8.1 assists per 36 minutes and posted an impressive 6.0 assist-to-turnover ratio, ranking third best across the NBA during that period, according to ESPN Research.
What Jones Brings to Denver’s Backcourt
Tyus Jones adds an experienced point guard who can serve as a steady ball handler and game manager behind the Nuggets’ starter, Jamal Murray. Denver’s bench currently ranks near the bottom of the league for assists per game, averaging just 6.5, better only than the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers. Jones’ ability to facilitate could improve the Nuggets’ second-unit playmaking as they gear up for postseason competition.
Career Highlights and Current Form
Jones’ most notable performance years came during his tenure with Memphis from 2021 to 2023, where he earned votes for the Sixth Man of the Year while averaging 9.5 points and 4.8 assists over 153 games. This season has been less productive for him individually, with career lows in points per game (3.1), field goal shooting (34.9%), and three-point percentage (28.1%), reflecting a more limited offensive role.
The Denver Nuggets’ addition of Tyus Jones underscores their intent to strengthen depth and experience in the backcourt ahead of the playoffs. His veteran presence and playmaking skills could provide a valuable boost to their rotation as they seek to advance deep into the postseason.
