6 Potential Pelicans free agent targets with ties to Zion Williamson

1. Tyus Jones                                                     

Jones was the Blue Devils starting point guard during their 2015 NCAA championship. He made an impact on both ends of the floor and became a first-round draft pick, despite being undersized. Zion Williamson came to Duke four years later and played with Jones’ younger brother, Tre.

Tyus Jones is an unrestricted free agent this summer after one year in Washington. He averaged 12.0 points, 7.3 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 29.3 minutes per game as their starting point guard. Jones was excited to fill that role after being one of the best reserves in the NBA during his time in Memphis. The 28-year-old is in his prime and likely wants to be a starter again.

The Pelicans cannot play him next to CJ McCollum, but they plan on reshaping their roster this summer. If McCollum is traded, Jones could be a strong engine for the Pels’ attack. He made $29 million over the last two years and likely wants $20-plus million per season in his next deal. Do not expect him to sign with the Pelicans, but stranger things have happened.

The New Orleans Pelicans will make changes. They want to create a more cohesive roster around Zion Williamson, which could mean adding players he knows well. Expect some fireworks this offseason, and stay tuned to see how David Griffin reshapes things in the Big Easy.