The Suns’ abysmal 2024-25 campaign has left them in a pit of uncertainty. Obviously, the biggest question mark is Kevin Durant’s future. Although he still has a year left on his contract, speculations are that the two-time champ will get traded this summer, as Mat Ishbia was already looking to part ways with him at the February deadline. But the Suns’ problems don’t end there. That’s because another key player could be heading out the door following the failed season—Tyus Jones.

Well, it took Tyus eight years to get promoted from his sixth man role. He had a career year in Washington last season, averaging 12 points and over seven assists as the Wizards’ starting point guard. So, he decided to bet on himself by leaving multiple lucrative offers on the table and signing with the Suns on a one-year minimum contract, with a vision to play for a contending team and further boost his market value. Unfortunately, the decision backfired!

Not only did the Phoenix franchise fail to make the playoffs, but Tyus lost his starting spot yet again. In his 81 appearances, he was the team’s primary point guard for only 58 games. Sure enough, his numbers also took a hit, dropping to 10.2 points and two fewer assists than last year. And former NBA star Austin Rivers made sure to highlight the Suns’ failure in maximizing Tyus’ potential.

“You get a point guard who decreased his value somehow. Lost his starting spot at one point. I mean, to who? It’s insane. They benched Tyus Jones at the end of the year. There’s not a better point guard on the team.” Rivers said on his podcast.

He continued, “I’m not questioning the coaching and stuff like that. It’s just that the product that was being given, the play, the record, everything. I don’t even at that point blame the coach, they are trying something new. I’m not saying its Tyus’ fault cause we know Tyus is a fantastic basketball player. He’s always been a very solid point guard and the guy that’s been able to run a team very well.”

Yes, Jones proved during his time in Memphis while Ja Morant was injured that he can play starting point when needed. However, Mike Budenholzer seemingly didn’t see him doing the same in Phoenix.

A successful season would have increased Jones’ market value and likely gotten him a massive next deal. Maybe even the Suns could have re-signed him. But now, it seems unlikely that the point guard would want to return to a situation where he is not fully appreciated.

“Someone will pay him something cause he’s a proven point guard but Damn! That’s how bad the season was.” Rivers added, highlighting the Suns’ failure. Meanwhile, Jones was not too pleased either!

Tyus Jones open to weighing out options after “frustrating” season with Suns

Of course, Tyus was not pleased with losing his starting role. Addressing the downgrade in a recent interview, he said, “Yeah, it’s frustrating. It’s definitely frustrating, especially feeling like knowing what I bring to the table, knowing what I can provide to a team and not feeling like I necessarily got to do that to the best of my abilities.”

However, the veteran guard kept a professional approach and did what the coaching staff asked him to, “You know just trying to play in whatever role they put me in. So, it’s frustrating but at the same time, just being a pro, just trying to handle it with grace and professionalism. And trying to just star in whatever role they’re asking you to do and just being a team player.”

But it’s possible that he might not wanna do it any further.

When asked about his future in Phoenix, Jones seemed a bit uncertain. “Yeah, I enjoy Phoenix, family enjoys Phoenix. We got a good group in the locker room, enjoy the guys. But at the same time, we will see. We’re just gonna have to weigh out our options. I enjoyed my time in Phoenix. I enjoyed being here. I enjoyed the organization. So, we’ll see what they wanna do as far as I’m concerned and we’ll just weigh out our options,” he shared.

Although Tyus’ season did not go as expected, many teams would want to acquire him if he decides to enter free agency. Even last year, he reportedly had offers from the Knicks and other solid teams. So, he might very well have played his final game in the Suns’ uniform. Do you think the Phoenix franchise fumbled it with Tyus Jones?