The Los Angeles Clippers are in a quest for redemption after their early exit from the 2023 NBA playoffs. In their pursuit of improvement, NBA writer Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report has proposed a bold trade idea involving Tyus Jones from the Washington Wizards. Could Tyus Jones be the key to bolstering the Clippers’ roster and making them contenders once again?
Tyus Jones: The Unsung Playmaker
Jones may not boast superstar statistics, but his proficiency in the traditional point guard roles is undeniable. With a career average of 3.9 assists against just 0.7 turnovers, he ranks among the elite decision-makers in basketball. His exceptional ball-handling skills and visionary passing make him a valuable asset.
Hidden Scoring Potential
Beyond his playmaking abilities, Jones could offer a surprising scoring punch. During 22 starts last season, he averaged an impressive 16.4 points per game with an efficient shooting slash of 50.0% from the field, 41.5% from three-point range, and 77.8% from the free-throw line. This suggests that he might have more offensive firepower than he was able to showcase as Ja Morant’s backup in Memphis.
Proven Consistency
Jones is not just a one-season wonder. In 80 games with the Memphis Grizzlies last season, he maintained solid averages of 10.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists while shooting 43.8% from the field, 37.1% from beyond the arc, and 80.0% from the free-throw line. These numbers underline his reliability as a contributor on both ends of the court.
Clippers’ Playoff Woes
The Clippers’ recent playoff disappointment, losing to the Phoenix Suns in five games during the 2023 playoffs, highlighted their need for improvement. The desire to elevate the team’s performance is palpable, especially with the news of James Harden’s trade request from the Philadelphia 76ers.
The James Harden Trade Saga with the Clippers
Although James Harden expressed interest in joining the Clippers, recent reports suggest that trade talks between the 76ers and the Clippers have stalled. In this context, the proposed acquisition of Tyus Jones could be a strategic move to strengthen the Clippers’ roster, providing them with a skilled playmaker who can both facilitate the offense and contribute points on the scoreboard.
The Clippers have ended James Harden trade talks, per Brian Windhorst pic.twitter.com/YBIwHcV2D6
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 17, 2023
Tyus Jones may not be a household name, but his abilities as a playmaker and his untapped scoring potential make him a compelling trade target for the Los Angeles Clippers. As the team aims for a deeper playoff run in the future, acquiring Jones could be a step in the right direction to address their needs and propel them to contention once again. It remains to be seen whether this proposed trade will materialize, but it certainly adds an intriguing dimension to the Clippers’ offseason plans.
