The Orlando Magic signed guard Tyus Jones to a one year, $7 million deal Monday night, adding their first true point guard to the roster. The 10-year veteran joins his former teammate Desmond Bane on the Magic after three years together in Memphis.
The former Grizzlies guard presumably will slot in for Cole Anthony as the leader of the second unit. This role is not new for him, as he received votes for Sixth Man of the Year twice while in Memphis.
https://twitter.com/1Tyus/status/1939918582990954680
Last season in Phoenix, Jones scored 10 points a game while shooting 41% from three on five attempts a night. Jones is a career 38% from deep, a trait that the Magic desperately need.
Jones also racked up five assists a game while only turning the ball over once a game. He had the second best assist-to-turnover ratio last year and has the best all-time for players with over 3,000 assists.
Orlando’s guard rotation has quickly become one of the deepest in the NBA after the additions of Jones, Bane, and Jase Richardson. The new-look Magic look to be poised for an offensive breakout in their fifth year under coach Jamahl Mosley.
The deal for the Magic came a day after declining the team options for both Caleb Houstan and Moritz Wagner. However, Orlando still possesses the Bird rights to these players and will look to bring them back.
Orlando’s active offseason currently puts them near the second apron, something the DeVos family will want to avoid if possible. With the looming extension of Paolo Banchero, the Magic must get under the cap before it’s too late.
With the moveable contracts of Goga Bitadze, Jonathan Isaac, and Jett Howard, Orlando could look to move these players to get under the second apron. These moves are necessary if they are looking to retain Wagner, which should be a priority for the front office.