The Timberwolves decision to let Tyus Jones go to the Memphis Grizzlies on a three-year, $28 million deal had to be difficult for owner Glen Taylor, head coach Ryan Saunders, and the rest of the club who have helped Jones develop into a fine young player after former Timberwolves executive and head coach Flip Saunders traded up to get him in the first round of the 2015 draft.
Whether or not Jones is worth that kind of money — he is slotted to be the 36th-highest-paid point guard for next season — is the sort of decision that’s left up to new President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas, but there’s no doubt that losing Jones, who made his name nationally as a prep standout here at Apple Valley before being named the MVP of the Final Four for Duke, is a public relations blow to the organization.