Before this season, signing Tyus Jones was considered a critical acquisition for an Orlando Magic squad seeking added depth for a playoff run.
After perhaps his worst month of basketball throughout the entire duration of his career, however, it's not far-fetched in the slightest to say that Tyus Jones has lost more games than he's won.
In just over 12 minutes per game, Tyus has averaged 1.6 points and 1.5 assists on an absolutely putrid 30.0 FG% and a somehow more egregiously below-average 18.2 3P%. Combine this with his small frame and overall defensive weakness, and you've got yourself a walking liability.
In the midst of Tyus' career-worst season, his brother Tre is having a career year for the Chicago Bulls, carving out ample minutes in a wide-open backcourt. Go figure.
With all of this underperformance in mind, why would the Hawks want to trade for a player that's actively harming his team?
The elder Jones' price has never been lower
While the poor shooting can't particularly be attributed to situation, you have to consider Tyus' mitigated role on the Magic in comparison to his prior surroundings with the Grizzlies.
Memphis lacked ball-dominant threats besides Ja Morant. Even Desmond Bane has demonstrated time and again his ability to be a lethal threat off-ball much more than he typically is as a lead guard. It's also no surprise that Tyus' impact was felt most significantly in games when Morant was out (which were incredibly common during Jones' tenure in Memphis).
Now in Orlando, Jones is surrounded by the likes of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and even Anthony Black - three point-forward type players that love to have the ball in their hands. Sharing the court with them has meant Tyus loses his greatest strength, forcing him into a role where he's simply not as impactful.
Atlanta stands in stark contrast to Orlando. Especially in Trae Young's absence, the only lead playmaker on the floor is Jalen Johnson, who has often shown his strength as a cutter when sharing the floor with Trae. Jones could play a meaningful 15-20 minutes per game for Atlanta, and at the very least fill Trae Young's point guard role during his absence.
The cherry on top is Jones' price - if you asked Orlando's FO, it wouldn't be shocking to think that they might attach a 2nd round pick to get him off the books. He isn't eligible to be traded until December 15th, but that's not far away.
Look for Atlanta to make such a move (or similar) to fill in Trae's shoes, especially if the superstar misses more time than previously anticipated.