Suns free agency: Phoenix pulls off the heist of the summer

They couldn't. They didn't. Did they? That's right, with the eyes of the basketball world firmly rooted to the Olympic Games, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN dropped a bombshell on Saturday by announcing that the Phoenix Suns had somehow signed point guard Tyus Jones to a one year, minimum contract.

The addition of the 28-year-old - one of the best backup floor generals in the league going back to his time with the Memphis Grizzlies - an amazing piece of business for an organization that is firmly in the second apron.

This business appeared to come out of nowhere, and it is the best possible move the franchise could have made at this point in the summer.

Despite having no real way outside of the minimum to sign point guards - even trading as a result of being in the second apron was difficult - Phoenix somehow got not only Monte Morris, but now Jones as well. Completely remaking their rotation on the fly, with a pair of above average players.

Yes this means that other players are firmly on the hot seat, and could see their position in The Valley vanish overnight. That will be a talking point for another time, now is a celebration of managing to get Jones, who will be looking for a payday down the road. The Suns won't care though, they got a guy who can legitimately help their championship chances. For his part, Jones had this to say;

"The chance to play for the Phoenix Suns made the most sense on a lot of levels to me and my family, beginning with the way (governor) Mat Ishbia and the front office recruited me to how coach (Mike Budenholzer) showed me how I can significantly impact a team that has a real opportunity to challenge for an NBA title as their starting point guard."

- Tyus Jones on joining the Suns

If there was any doubt about whether or not Jones sees this as a long-term fit, he was quick to eradicate those notions as well. He knows he's worth more than he's playing for this year - and barring some unforseen roster moves in Phoenix next season - expects to use this chance to get paid more elsewhere.

"My agent (Kevin Bradbury) walked me and my family through multiple free agent offers and sign-and-trade proposals at a number of different financial levels, but the Suns' opportunity is where I can best maximize my value for a return to free agency next year as well as give myself a chance to be part of what I think will be a special team and season"

- Tyus Jones on joining the Suns

Entering the dog days of summer, the Suns now have a player who can legitimately push for a starting role, and who can also take over in a much more capable way if and when Bradley Beal gets injured. Come the postseason, having his playmaking and table-setting skills will be invaluable to a roster that looked listless in the playoffs last season.

Jones started every game he played for the Washington Wizards last season - and although they were a group going nowhere - posting 12 points and over seven assists was impressive. If he can bring that statistical output and ability to calm down possessions and take care of the ball, owner Mat Ishbia will be looking for ways to bring him back next year. What a win for this franchise.