Tyus Jones: 'Minnesota will always be home – that will never change'

Jones is now a member of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Outside of one year at Duke, Tyus Jones has always been a stay-at-home basketball star in Minnesota. 

Until now. 

Jones signed a reported three-year, $28 million contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Wolves had the right to match the offer but declined to do so, allowing Jones the opportunity for a bigger role in Memphis' backcourt. 

Once the deal was finalized, Jones wrote a brief thank you letter to his home state and fans. 

"Tall the fans and supporters of the Minnesota Timberwolves, my teammates, coaches, staff and especially Glen Taylor-I want to thank you for all the support and dedication you have shown me and my family since I turned pro. I'm especially thankful to the late Flip Saunders for allowing me to be able to play in my home state. 

"The last four years have been such a blessing having the opportunity to play where I grew up. For that, I am extremely grateful. Minnesota will always be home – that will never change. Now I get to take that next step in my journey and career and I'm excited for what's ahead." 

Jones starred at Apple Valley High School for five years as a starting point guard and after winning the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Final Four award while at Duke, he was drafted by the Wolves with the 24th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. 

Wolves point guard situation without Jones

Minnesota has options at point guard, but it's yet to be seen if President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas will stick with what's on the roster between now and the start of the season. 

Jeff Teague remains, but his $19 million expiring contract makes him an attractive trade candidate. Behind Teague the Wolves have Shabazz Napier, who backed up D'Angelo Russell in Brooklyn last year. 

The latest addition to the roster is Tyrone Wallace, a 6-foot-5 combo guard with a 6-foot-10 wingspan. He was the 60th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft and came off the bench for the Clippers the last two seasons. 

At this point, Teague appears to be the only tested, starting-caliber point guard on the roster, but you never know what a new regime has planned. 

Also keep an eye out for Andrew Wiggins and Jarrett Culver to bring the ball up the floor on occasion, as Minnesota attempts to find creative ways to get Wiggins, Culver and Robert Covington on the floor at the same time.