The Orlando Magic are on a roll this offseason after acquiring Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies in a blockbuster trade. The Magic desperately needed an injection of scoring and shooting juice, but they aren’t done bringing more help yet.
Over the weekend, Orlando declined Moe Wagner’s $11 million and Caleb Houstan’s $2.1 million team options to pursue a veteran point guard who has long been linked to the franchise.
Orlando Magic Clearing Room To Add Tyus Jones in Free Agency
Orlando had its foundational pieces in place with star forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, providing them with reliable primary and secondary scoring options. Meanwhile, fourth-year guard Jalen Suggs thrived as a dynamic two-way hustle player when healthy. However, outside of that trio, the Magic sorely lacked an offensive punch, causing their scoring to stagnate at inopportune times.
The addition of Bane and rookie Jase Richardson is a big boost to their offense, but they still need a backup point guard to play alongside Anthony Black off the bench.
However, with the team’s funds limited, Orlando declined the team options on Wagner and Houstan to create room for free agency signings. They now have roughly $18 million before hitting the first apron, and Jake Fischer of The People’s Insider reports the moves are being made to pursue Tyus Jones.
“It is believed Orlando’s Sunday business — declining the $11 million team option for Moe Wagner along with the $2.1 million team option for Caleb Houstan — represents two steps toward creating the financial wiggle room needed to finally land Tyus Jones in the Magic Kingdom after the veteran point guard has been linked to them for years,” he wrote.
Tyus Jones Stats (75 Games):
10.4 ppg
5.5 apg
2.4 rpg
0.8 spg
45.0% from field
41.8% from three (5 threes per game)
89.1% from FT
27.5 mpg pic.twitter.com/xr80ufqTay— Rayshard❼ (M✭GIC 👑 ) (@Rayshard07) June 29, 2025
Jones has been linked to the Magic for several years, even during last year’s free agency. Orlando showed strong interest last offseason, but his size and defense were the main reasons they decided to pass on him. However, the Magic have a stronger defense this season, and the value Jones brings to the offense is what they need at the moment.
During the 2024-2025 season with the Phoenix Suns, Jones posted averages of 10.2 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.4 rebounds while impressively shooting 41.4% from beyond the arc. He is a true floor general. He doesn’t force shots or turn the ball over and knows how to get teammates in the right spots.
Moreover, Jones was on a one-year, $3 million deal with the Suns last season, so he won’t cost the Magic a significant amount this season either.
It’s worth noting that there are increasing signs of Jones landing in Orlando, with Suggs, Bane, Banchero, and Wendell Carter already following him on Instagram. Additionally, Bane and Jones played together in Memphis, and after landing the shooter, the Magic could now add his playmaker.
