If there’s one area where the Phoenix Suns have clearly turned a corner, it’s at the point guard position. After years of trying to find the right balance between facilitating and defending, the Suns now boast a rotation that’s quietly become one of their strengths. With Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, and even Jamaree Bouyea stepping up, Phoenix has built real depth at the one-something they couldn’t always count on in recent seasons.
Meanwhile, down in Orlando, things haven’t gone quite as smoothly for a familiar face. Tyus Jones, who spent last season with the Suns, is reportedly on the trade block less than a year after signing with the Magic. According to reports, Orlando is shopping the veteran guard for second-round picks, signaling a quick end to a partnership that never really took off.
It’s a tough spot for the 29-year-old, who looked like a strong fit on paper for a young Magic team in need of a steady hand at the point. Jones has made a career out of being a reliable floor general-he’s not flashy, but he’s efficient, smart, and rarely turns the ball over. That profile made him an appealing option for both Phoenix and Orlando in recent years, especially for teams with high-usage stars who need a guard that won’t dominate the ball.
In his lone season with the Suns, Jones averaged 5.3 assists per game-the second-highest mark of his career. He wasn’t expected to be a defensive stopper, and he wasn’t.
But he did what he was brought in to do: move the ball, keep the offense organized, and stay within himself. The problem?
He was often thrust into a larger role than intended, starting more games than planned and asked to carry more of the load alongside Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
Ironically, Jones might actually be a better fit on this current version of the Suns. Under head coach Jordan Ott, Phoenix has developed a more cohesive defensive identity-one that could’ve helped mask some of Jones' limitations on that end. With bigs like Mark Williams and Khaman Maluach now in the fold, Jones could’ve thrived as a table-setter, feeding them easy looks in the paint while letting the defense do the heavy lifting behind him.
But that ship has sailed. The Suns aren’t looking back-and they certainly aren’t looking for more help at point guard.
This team has moved on, and they’ve done it effectively. Credit to General Manager Brian Gregory and the front office: they’ve reshaped the roster around a new core, and the early returns are promising.
The transition away from the Durant era was expected to be rocky, but instead, Phoenix is making a real push for the playoffs while some of their former players-like Jones and even Chris Paul-are struggling to find their footing elsewhere.
As for Jones, he’ll get another shot. He’s too steady, too experienced not to land somewhere.
In the right situation-where he’s not asked to be more than he is-he can still contribute. But for now, it’s clear: the Suns have turned the page, and they’re not looking back.