Kevin Durant's Statement on Ex-Grizzlies Player Who Joined Phoenix Suns

In this story:
The Phoenix Suns were one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA last season. With three stars in Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the Suns were expected to make a deep run in the Western Conference.
Swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the opening round of the 2024 NBA playoffs, Phoenix was unable to win a single postseason game with their star trio. This made the need for roster changes extremely clear, and Phoenix made some this offseason.
One of the moves Phoenix made was to bring in former Memphis Grizzlies point guard Tyus Jones. It was a one-year, $3.3M deal that Jones signed with Phoenix after spending last season with the Washington Wizards.
Tyus Jones — the market’s top remaining free agent guard — has agreed on a one-year, $3.3 million deal with the Phoenix Suns, Kevin Bradbury of @LiftSportsMNGMT tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/lhhJkKowQz
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 27, 2024
Speaking with reporters on Sunday, Suns star Kevin Durant was asked about the Jones addition.
“I just think he helped the overall team get better,” Durant said. “Another guy that can make plays and control the offense. Who has done it in this league for a while now. Another guy that can command the offense, command the team.”
"He helped the overall team get better." Kevin Durant on the addition of Tyus Jones. #Suns pic.twitter.com/eZKQbaMM2r
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 6, 2024
Jones spent four seasons with the Grizzlies where he appeared in 288 games (60 starts), averaging 8.3 points and 4.5 assists. While many viewed Jones as one of the top NBA free agents this summer, he joined Phoenix on a team-friendly deal.
Related Articles
Ja Morant Excites Memphis Grizzlies Fans in Latest Workout Footage
Eight-Year NBA Veteran, Ex-Grizzlies Player Joins New Team in Portugal
Ja Morant Reacts to Viral LeBron James and Steph Curry Moment in USA-France

Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA and WNBA for On SI. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined On SI to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts and in the classroom earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time, primarily serving as a Clippers beat writer.