Report: Clippers Interested In Tyus Jones

According to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Los Angeles Clippers are interested in Tyus Jones. 

Jones is an unrestricted free agent. He played for the Washington Wizards this past season. 

“Tyus Jones, HoopsHype’s top free agent on the board, is continuing to receive interest as a sign-and-trade candidate from several teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto reported. “The Clippers can dangle some combination of the expiring contracts of PJ Tucker and Russell Westbrook and could offer draft pick compensation or Bones Hyland to the Washington Wizards for helping to facilitate a potential sign-and-trade trade.

“With the Clippers re-signing James Harden, adding Kevin Porter Jr. in free agency, and reportedly in line to acquire Kris Dunn via a sign-and-trade, Hyland could potentially become expendable.”

Jones averaged 12.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.3 blocks this past season while shooting 48.9% from the field, 41.4% from beyond the arc and 80.0% from the free-throw line. 

Westbrook, who picked up his 2024-25 player option worth $4 million, is not expected back with the Clippers. 

The NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles, Westbrook averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.3 blocks in 2023-24 while shooting 45.4% overall, 27.3% from 3 and 68.8% from the foul line.

LAC lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in six games. 

The Clippers had to convince Westbrook to come off the bench after acquiring James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers and it wasn’t an easy process, per NBA reporter Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints. 

The Denver Nuggets are interested in acquiring Westbrook.

Paul George left the Clippers for the Sixers in free agency. Kawhi Leonard and George were teammates from 2019-20 to 2023-24. The Clippers never reached the NBA Finals.