Duke basketball: Teams highly value pair of Blue Devils

A pair of former Duke basketball standouts cashed in at the free agency window. 

The opening of NBA free agency is always an exciting time for player and it was no different for two former Duke basketball stars.

Tyus Jones and Marvin Bagley III both cashed in with their current teams and avoided hitting the open market.

Jones became the highest paid back-up point guard in the league after he inked his two-year, $30 million deal, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

ALSO READ: Four-star forward commits to rival ACC program

The 2015 National Champion has proven he can be just as steady and efficient when filling in for All-Star Ja Morant or coming off the bench for the Memphis Grizzlies after averaging 8.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.

Tyus Jones will, shockingly, be entering his eighth season in the NBA this winter and his fourth year with Memphis as the Grizzlies will look to continue its rise up the standings in the Western Conference.

Another Duke basketball star cashes in during free agency

Marvin Bagley III, who struggled in Sacramento to begin his career, has seemingly found a home with the Detroit Pistons with a three-year, $37.5 million contract extension.

Bagley III was traded from the Kings to the Pistons during last season but only suited up in 18 games due to injuries, something that has haunted the former No. 2 overall pick since leaving Durham after one season.

ALSO READ: Duke star holds fate of NBA offseason in his fingertips

The 23-year old averaged 14.6 points and 6.8 rebounds during his short stint with the Pistons as Detroit has added numerous young players to try and surprise many around the Eastern Conference this season.

Marvin Bagley averaged just 9.3 points and 7.2 rebounds in 30 games for the Kings last season prior to the trade and will be looking to revert back to his rookie form when he was name to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2019.