Knicks Rumors: Grizzlies' Tyus Jones Intrigues NYK If Jalen Brunson Returns to Mavs

The New York Knicks' search for a point guard may land on Tyus Jones.

Marc Berman of the New York Post reported the Knicks could target Jones in free agency this summer if their planned pursuit of Jalen Brunson fails.

Jones has been a reliable role player across his seven NBA seasons but has never gotten a heavy-minutes role. He averaged a career-high 8.7 points and 4.4 assists with the Memphis Grizzlies this season.

When Ja Morant missed extended time, Jones stepped into the starting lineup and guided the offense capably. He averaged 12.7 points and 6.6 assists as a starter this season.

"He's just a great connector out there. I love the spirit, leadership he plays with, the way he moves the ball," Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins told Chris Hine of the Star-Tribune last month. "He's improved defensively from the first two years we've been here. He's taken ownership there. I love how he's shooting the ball as well. Obviously when he's played a bigger role, he's filled those shoes brilliantly. He plays so well, plays great team basketball."

Not only has Jones been a steady leader of bench units throughout his career—his assist-to-turnover ratio regularly ranks at or top the NBA leaderboard—he also has a familiarity with Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau dating back to their time in Minnesota. 

Thibodeau was the coach for the first 40 games of the 2018-19 season, which saw Jones set the NBA record for assist-to-turnover ratio. 

The Knicks have been on a desperate search for a lead ball-handler for several years. They took a chance on signing Kemba Walker to a two-year contract last offseason, but that move blew up in their face amid Walker's continued injury history. Even if Jones is an unspectacular option, he would be a solid addition for the turnover-averse Thibodeau.