Tyus Jones hails 'GOAT' A'ja Wilson as Aces legend poses with guard's son
Tyus Jones posted a photo of his son, Tyus Jr., alongside Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson after the Phoenix Suns' game against the Miami Heat at Footprint Center on Wednesday night. While Jones contributed eight assists in the game, his most memorable assist came when he helped his son take a photo with the WNBA’s reigning MVP.
The Suns point guard shared the picture on his Instagram stories, featuring his son in a purple Nike hoodie and pants while holding a Suns foam finger. Wilson joined Tyus Jr. for the photo, wearing a simple powder blue outfit.
"Jr w the 🐐🙏," the guard captioned the story.
Jones ended the game with five points and eight assists as the Suns triumphed 115-112, securing their sixth consecutive win.
Kevin Durant led the Suns with 32 points and eight rebounds, Devin Booker added 22 points and nine assists and Jusuf Nurkic posted a double-double with 20 points and 18 rebounds.
Bam Adebayo, who has been linked to Wilson, had a tough game, scoring 12 points on 21 shots but also recording 12 rebounds, six assists and five steals.
Tyus Jones says his family played a part in his decision to join the Suns
Tyus Jones signed a one-year, $3.3 million minimum contract with the Phoenix Suns this offseason, but according to ESPN, he also had offers from several other teams, including the Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs and Brooklyn Nets — all rebuilding franchises — with annual salary offers ranging from $8 million to $12 million.
However, he chose the Suns for a smaller salary because of the team’s basketball fit and ceiling.
In an interview with ESPN, Jones explained that his family played an important role in his decision, with his wife Carrie even meeting with Phoenix officials before he made his choice.
"She actually was in on the talks with Josh (Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein) and with Bud (Suns coach Mike Budenholzer) and with Mat (Suns owner Matt Ishbia)," Jones said.
"Because this was more than just a decision for myself. It's about her and the family as well. Just deciding where we want to be, what would be a good spot for them living-wise at the same time and organization-wise."
Tyus and Carrie have two children together.
"Honestly, just them including her and understanding our family is a big part of the decision. We look at everything for our kids, and what helps her be comfortable ultimately helped me be comfortable with the decision," Jones said.
Tyus Jones has become a key player for the Suns, who lacked a true point guard last year. He is currently averaging 8.9 points, 6.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game as a starter this season.