Grade the Trade: 76ers land widely coveted point guard in proposed upgrade

Why the 76ers should trade for Tyus Jones

The Philadelphia 76ers have the sixth-ranked offense through 37 games, but they have operated largely through a heliocentric attack dependent on Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey’s ability to make plays for their own and for others. As a result, the team only ranks 22nd in assists per outing while raking in the third-most isolation plays on a nightly basis.

Offensive variance is something the 76ers can improve on, and this can be achieved by trading for a player who can organize them in the half-court and ignite the attack on the break. And what better stud to target than the player who has been the most efficient with the ball and as a passer in the last six seasons?

Tyus Jones may not be a household name, but he has carved a reputation for himself as one of, if not the league’s best backup point guard who can start when needed, as most notable in his stint with the Grizzlies. His skill set pairs well with Tyrese Maxey, as he can unburden him from setting the table from his teammates in long spurts while remaining a factor without the ball with his 43.1 percent shooting from three-point range.

Alternatively, the 76ers can trot him out as the lead playmaker off the bench, which currently has a dearth of facilitators. That way, Nick Nurse and the coaching staff will have some more legroom to mobilize the bench more, as the team is currently dead-last in bench scoring and minutes per outing.

Meanwhile, Philly is not paying a premium for his services. Covington and Martin are easy cuts, and that 2026 first-rounder is not as sterling as it seems atop the fact that the team already owns their pick in that specific year.