Tyus Jones chose to unlock Suns star trio instead of chasing bigger payday

NBA players aren't usually in the business of leaving north of $5M on the table. However, the opportunity to play alongside some of the best offensive talents in the league was likely a considerable draw for Jones. Phoenix was in desperate need of a reliable ball-handler and playmaker, which meant he would be walking into a starting role on a potential championship contender.

It's unlikely that any other interested team could guarantee him the type of role, usage and minutes that were on offer in Phoenix. Furthermore, Jones could see his value around the league skyrocket if the Suns are vastly improved this season. He could more than recoup his lost earnings next summer if the Suns make a deep playoff run.

"I think anybody from the outside looking in last year understood that they were asked to do more than what they typically probably do. And so that's where I felt like I could help," Jones told Shelburne. "I try to make their job easy. Try to set the table for them, put them in great positions to just score the ball and do what they do at an extremely elite level."

Last season, the Suns ranked 25th in the NBA for turnover percentage, with 14.9% of their offensive possessions ending in a fumble, errant pass or sloppy mistake. By allowing Jones to initiate the action, the Suns will undoubtedly improve when taking care of the ball.

More importantly, both Booker and Beal will be free to play their natural games rather than taking turns as the de facto point guard, which at times limited their aggressiveness on the offensive end.

Jones joined the Suns to contend. He joined them to compete. Most of all, he arrived on a team that needed his skill set and could provide the biggest role with the most logical upside. 

Still, whether his decision to take a pay cut was the right call won't become clear until after the season has ended.