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Tyus Jones officially joins Memphis Grizzlies as T-Wolves decline option

By Kevin Connelly

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 19: Tyus Jones #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game on October 19, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Cavaliers 131-123. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 19: Tyus Jones #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game on October 19, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Cavaliers 131-123. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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The former Duke Basketball legend, Tyus Jones, officially is a member of the Memphis Grizzlies as the Minnesota Timberwolves declined to match his offer sheet.

It was reported on July 7 by Shams Charania of The Athletic that Tyus Jones and the Memphis Grizzlies agreed on a three-year, $24 million offer sheet.

However, Jones’ current team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, had 48 hours to match the offer and keep Jones since he was a restricted free agent.

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Just after midnight eastern on July 10, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Timberwolves would not match Memphis’ offer for Jones and the former National Champion would become the newest Grizzly.

Tyus Jones spent one season at Duke and won the National Championship as the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament in 2015 before being the No. 24 overall pick of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2015 NBA Draft.

In a draft day trade, Jones was sent to his hometown Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for two seconds round picks in that draft.

The Apple Valley, Minnesota native spent four seasons with the Timberwolves and his stats have improved in his last two seasons as the former Blue Devil is coming off career highs in points, rebounds, and assists.

Jones averaged 6.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game while playing in 68 games, starting 23, and receiving 22.9 minutes per game.

The 23-year old guard also set an NBA record this past season with a 6.96 assist-to-turnover ratio for players with a minimum of 200 assists in a season.

As one of the most steady and reliable point guards in the NBA, Jones knew he would be in for a big pay day at the end of the season.

Tyus’ brother, Tre Jones, was also setting his own records with a 3.62 assist-to-turnover ratio in his first season as a Duke Blue Devil and announced he would be returning to Durham for his sophomore season.

In Memphis Tyus Jones will be reuniting with his former Duke teammate Grayson Allen, who was just traded to the Grizzlies for star point guard Mike Conley.

light. Related Story. Ranking the 2015 Duke basketball champs’ upcoming NBA joyrides

Just last month, the Grizzlies selected point guard Ja Morant with the No. 2 overall pick, so it’s likely that Jones will start the season as the back-up point guard in Memphis.

Regardless of how the minutes are split up between the two point guard, Memphis will be able to be calm and secure when the rock is in the steady hands of the 2015 National Champion, Tyus Jones.

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